29/10/2019 - STRIVING TO REACH THE PERFECT MAN

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When I was a child, I spoke as a child, I understood as a child, I thought as a child; but when I became a man, I put away childish things. 1 Corinthians 13:11

It´s a fact that Jesus was God with the Father but left His divine prerogatives when He came into the world to save us. He needed to be careful to keep everything the Father told Him and speak nothing of Himself. We must act similar to the Master. Thus, we will continue in God´s love. People without wisdom often recite the Word, and this irritates those who have not yet understood the faith.

Once, when approached by Nicodemus, Christ used earthly words to speak of the new birth, an important experience for all. The Jews did not understand heavenly matters, even though they are God’s people. Likewise, those who are immature in faith do not assimilate the perfect language of Christians. Therefore, Christians should make things easier and use understandable facts.

Paul told the converts in Corinth that he had fed them milk, for they were still carnal – boys in the faith (1 Corinthians 3: 2, 3). In the same position are those who have not yet grown in the knowledge of the Son of God. For this reason, we need to be patient with them, because even if saved, they are still unable to grasp the heavenly truths in their depth. But when they evolve, they will understand them.

Jesus was born as an ordinary boy, grew up as such, and became a perfect man. He stated that we should examine Scriptures, for we have eternal life in them, and they testify of Him (John 5:39). He found Himself in the Word, and we must do the same, because it testifies of us. If you find yourself in the Bible, you will be more used by the Most High and bold in the faith.

Not knowing the good, pleasant, and perfect will of God (Rom. 12: 2) revealed in the Holy Book deprives you of doing the right things in your daily life and going into eternity. Thus, it is healthy and important to always read and meditate on the Bible. Anyone who despises the Word of God will not have His attention. Mercy!

The apostle Peter said that we should affectionately – devotedly – desire as born again children, rational milk and that we may grow through it. Now, this means that the Most High does not want us to be infants in faith in Christ, but men who are complete and prepared for every good work. Beware of the devil of laziness, for it prevents the Christian from attaining the stature of the Son of God (Ephesians 4:13).

Perfect growth comes through nourishment given by the Word and spiritual exercises. However, those who stop using it will not succeed. Therefore, engage in prayer and scripture study for your own good.

In Christ, with love,

R. R. Soares