‘until we all reach unity in the faith and in the knowledge of the Son of God and become mature, attaining to the whole measure of the fullness of Christ.’ (v13) Ephesians 4:11–16
Spiritual formation is a journey, and never a destination. There are certain points where we pause and reflect to consider where we have come from. But very soon the Spirit summons us to get up and go to an as yet unseen land (Gen. 12:1). We build our confidence in God’s future from the experience we have developed in journeying with God. It’s why it is good to pause, reflect and pray in God’s Word daily.
The challenge for every Christian is that we are in a state of perpetual becoming, right up until we cross the threshold death presents and into God’s arms. I’ve no knowledge of how I shall stand before God on that day. However, Scripture encourages each of us to determine how fervently we invest our energy into growing up into the fullness of God, in preparation.
Our Christian progress lies within our own choices. We will face both barriers and reversals. However, character is forged through perseverance and finding the fullness of God in every eventuality. Each challenge offers an opportunity for us to press deeper into the truth of who is God, or falter in our commitment.
Even if we falter, this is simply an opportunity to reconsider what we truly seek from life and how we will therefore choose to live. Spiritual formation is indeed a path that frequently winds back on itself, whilst making progress towards Christian maturity.
RELATED SCRIPTURE TO CONSIDER: Lam. 3:19–40; Isa. 46:3–13; Phil. 1:3–11; Heb. 10:19–25.
AN ACTION TO TAKE: How do you cope when you appear to be back peddling on your discipleship path?
A PRAYER TO MAKE: ‘Lord, may I keep my eyes on the prize and press on each and every day in pursuit of God’s fullness. Amen.’
