What practical steps can you take to mature in your faith today? The Call to Grow Up “Brothers, stop thinking like children. In regard to evil be infants, but in your thinking be mature.” (1 Corinthians 14:20) Two Sides of the Command • Innocent toward evil—keep childlike purity • Mature in thinking—develop adult-level discernment Practical Steps for Today • Guard innocence – Turn from media and settings that normalize sin (Ephesians 5:11) – “I will set no worthless thing before my eyes” (Psalm 101:3) – Store Scripture in your heart to resist temptation (Psalm 119:11) • Feed on Scripture daily – Read and meditate, not just skim (Joshua 1:8; Acts 17:11) – Memorize verses; review them aloud during the day – Listen to faithful preaching—“Faith comes by hearing” (Romans 10:17) • Renew your mind intentionally – Filter every decision through God’s Word (Romans 12:2) – Replace ungodly thought patterns with truth (2 Corinthians 10:5) • Move from milk to solid food – Schedule deeper study times: doctrines, theology, word studies – “Solid food is for the mature” (Hebrews 5:14) • Practice discernment – “Test all things; hold fast to what is good” (1 Thessalonians 5:21) – Compare cultural messages with Scripture before accepting them • Cultivate Christlike character – Walk in the fruit of the Spirit (Galatians 5:22-23) – Let love guide every action (John 13:35) • Serve in the body of Christ – Identify and exercise your spiritual gifts (1 Peter 4:10) – Speak truth in love so the church “grows up” (Ephesians 4:15-16) • Seek accountability and mentoring – Meet regularly with a mature believer (Proverbs 27:17) – Pass on what you learn to others (2 Timothy 2:2) • Persist in prayer and worship – “Devote yourselves to prayer, being watchful and thankful” (Colossians 4:2) – Gather consistently with believers for worship and encouragement (Hebrews 10:24-25) • Expect continual progress – “Grow in the grace and knowledge of our Lord” (2 Peter 3:18) – Trust that “He who began a good work in you will perfect it” (Philippians 1:6) Stay innocent toward evil, pursue mature thinking, and watch how daily obedience shapes you into a steadfast, discerning follower of Christ. |
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