How Do We Know if We Are Maturing in Christ?

The Journey of Maturing in Christ

It’s been a whirlwind of a year. Last year on this day, I was filled with tender excitement as we brought our long-awaited adopted child home. He spoke very little English…and I could sense his nervousness. He had never been around so many people. Never flown on an airplane. Never been away for any length of time from his orphanage.

Fear was in his eyes. He held fast to my side for several months. Always having to know if Mommy was close by. He struggled to sleep through the night. Clinging to big brother, making sure he was near.

He wanted things done a certain way, insisting on changing his clothes several times a day. Shoes worn at all times, even to bed. Only particular foods would be considered tolerable.

But over time, we saw him grow. We saw him change. We witnessed a metamorphosis take place, much like one call see growth as they are maturing in Christ.

Can you see the work of Christ in you?

Looking back, can you tell if you are maturing in your faith? There are times I wonder if God is still working. Am I becoming more like Him at all? However, at times like these, I am reminded to look backward to see just how far I’ve come. We are becoming more and more like Christ as we continue in our journey of faith. Much of the New Testament consists of instruction on how we should grow in likeness to Christ. But here is an interesting concept: they all assume that our sanctification will increase throughout our Christian lives. There is greater sanctification occurring…it is a continual work.

And we all, with unveiled face, beholding the glory of the Lord, are being transformed into the same image from one degree of glory to another. For this comes from the Lord who is the Spirit. 2 Corinthians 3:18

We’re not perfect, but we press on to become more and more…little by little, day by day…more like Christ. We are free from sin (Romans 6:18), but sin remains a constant problem. We resist temptation by hiding God’s Word in our hearts (Psalm 119:11). Rather than being slaves to sin, we are instructed to be “slaves to righteousness leading to sanctification.” (Romans 6:19)

God’s Work is Ongoing

We remind ourselves that God is not finished with us yet. There is still work to be done. And we press on, striving to achieve the purposes which God has ordained for us. We keep at it. Don’t throw in the towel. Praise God for setbacks that remind us of our humanity…and our need for a Savior.

Not that I have already obtained this or am already perfect, but I press on to make it my own because Christ Jesus has made me his own. Philippians 3:12

We see progress, nearly every day. Our son has grown 3 inches this past year, and his English vocabulary has surpassed his peers. We have seen his passion for music explode…and his desire to become the next Bevo (#hookemlonghorns). He is enthusiastic, energetic, outgoing, and hardly ever clinching onto my side. Rarely does he meet a stranger because he insists they all give him a “high five.” He is beautiful, and a blessing to our family. Beyond measure, I️ am in love with this little man!