In our Study on what constitutes a Smart Christian, after focusing on the letter S of the acronym S.M.A.R.T. in the previous devo, today let’s focus on the following letter:
M-Maturing
For Christians at Salvation, not only is it the starting point for a journey towards the Promised Land (read Heaven), it is also the beginning of a voyage into a deeper and deeper, fulfilling relationship with the Almighty. A saved Christian main goal is to be transformed into Christ-like image (2 Cor 3:18) meaning have a relationship with the Heavenly Father as Christ Himself would have. Period. This is achieved by him/her by duly co-operating with the indwelling Holy Spirit in the matters of Prayer, Bible-reading and constant Church fellowship.
The Early Church is a benchmark for any Church of any age for remarkable growth borne out by Earth-shaking outward actions just as King David was a benchmark (1 Kings 14:8, 1 Kings 15:3, 1 Kings 15:11-12, 1 Kings 14:3 ) in the matter of implicit obedience to God for the Kings who followed him. What was “special” about the early Church that its very enemies paid it the highest compliment unwittingly of having turned the World upside down (Acts 17:6)? Talk of a Democrat complimenting a Republican. Go no further than Acts 2:42 which reads thus:
“They devoted themselves to the apostles’ teaching and to fellowship, to the breaking of bread and to prayer.”
Billy Graham that great and uncompromising preacher once in a Revival meeting held at Los Angeles, shared a passionate message on the Early Church, outlining what needs to be done for the Churches of modern era to become more effective. While many were moved by it, some “cannibal” Christians (an oxymoron again, however refer Gal. 5:15) criticized him of taking Christianity back by 100 years to which he is said to have replied with wisdom borne out of long, enduring relationship with Christ, “I did indeed want to set religion back, not just by 100 years but 1,900 years, to the Book of Acts when first century followers of Christ were accused of turning the Roman Empire upside down.”
Yes, besides exercising discipline in the matters of prayer, Bible-reading and Church fellowship, one needs to stand up patiently when severe trials and tribulations come visiting (1 Peter 1:6-7). They are permitted by God in His Sovereign wisdom to build-up Christ-like patience and perseverance (James 1:2-4) in us. Honestly, why is our Heavenly Father so keen (even desperate) on us becoming Christ-like? Is it to merely fill Heaven with beautiful, radiant people (Song of Solomon 5:10) like Christ. Nay!!! The only reason to make us Christ-like is to have people in Heaven who would “love Him as His Son has done throughout eternity”. Remember, we are going to spend Eternity with our Creator…Hallelujah!!!
Prayer: Father, we completely dedicate ourselves into Thy hands. We know, you are moulding us into Your Son’s image for our own Eternal welfare. We glorify Thee in Jesus’ Name. Amen.
Suresh Manoharan
J and SM Ministries
(Please click here to access the rest of the S.M.A.R.T series.)