Grow Up!

“When I was a child, I spoke and thought and reasoned as a child. But when I grew up, I put away childish things. Now we see things imperfectly, like puzzling reflections in a mirror, but then we will see everything with perfect clarity” 1 Cor.13:11-12

Some of us are allowing our hearts to become hardened because of the pains that we have gone through. For some of us reading this today, the pain was caused by your fellow Christians. And you are wondering, how can these people call themselves Christians and be behaving like this? And you have allowed that experience to harden your heart. It could even be your spouse who perhaps walked out on you or cheated on you. And that has left a bad taste in your mouth and hardness in your heart. But unfortunately, you are projecting that towards God. For some, it is the pain of past or ongoing abuse that is blocking your heart towards God. Where was God when I was defenseless?

I do not doubt that the pain is enormous. But I implore you not to let anyone else come between you and God. Never let “fake” Christians, Pastors, Prophets, get between you and God. This world is broken; heaven is the only perfect place. People will fall short, they will sin, they will make poor choices and those poor choices will hurt other people. As long as you are here on earth, you are going to make mistakes. Your mistake is going to hurt somebody else. But if you have been hurt, I am sorry you have been hurt. I can assure you that God feels your pain. So please, do not turn away from God. Instead, turn to God for healing, for cleansing, and for restoration.

#3. Pride. The third thing that causes hearts to harden towards God is thinking you do not need God. What do I need God for? I can handle things by myself. But the irony is that a hardened heart and a closed mind lead only to a barren life. And nothing can grow in a barren life, so the birds of the air will come and pick up the seed. “Don’t be proud but accept God’s teaching that is planted in your heart. This teaching can save your soul.” James 1:21 [ICB, emphasis added].

To grow spiritually you and I must be receptive to and embrace God’s Word. Make the decision and accept the responsibility that comes with spiritual growth. Spiritual growth is a choice. You are as close to God as you really want to be.

Prayer: Lord Jesus, I accept Your teaching, it will find fertile soil to grow and bear fruit in my life, in Jesus Name.