Tuesday, November 10

GROW UP! by Rugina Poellnitz

GROW UP!
by Rugina Poellnitz



"God wants us to grow up . . . like Christ in everything." Ephesians 4:15 TM


Too many of us grow old without ever growing up! We're stuck in spiritual infancy. Why? Because we never intended to grow! Spiritual growth isn't automatic. You must want to grow, decide to grow, make an effort to grow, and persist in growing.


Growth always begins with a decision. Jesus calls us and we respond: Listen: "Come, be my disciple . . . So Matthew got up and followed him" (Matthew 9:9 NLT). Matthew didn't understand all the implications of his decision, he simply decided to follow Jesus. That's all you need to get started - a decision! Nothing shapes your life more than the commitments you make; they develop you or destroy you, but either way they define you. Tell us what you're committed to today, and we'll tell you what you'll become twenty years from now!

It's at the point of commitment that most of us miss God's best. 


Because we're afraid to commit to anything we: 

(a) drift through life aimlessly;

(b) make half-hearted commitments to too many things and end up living in frustration and mediocrity;

(c) make a commitment to the wrong things such as becoming wealthy or famous, and end up with regrets.

Every choice you make has consequences, so choose wisely! Christ-likeness is the result of making Christ-like choices, then depending on Him to help you fulfill those choices. Listen: "God accurately reproduces his character in you" (Ephesians 4:24 TM).


"Like father, like son," God wants you to bear His likeness. That's what growing up is all about!  Have you continued to grow in faith, commitment and dedication to the Lord? Is God urging you to grow up and become more like Christ through various opportunities? Are you excited about the many blessings that will come about as a result of taking hold of these opportunities? Alternatively, are you resisting God's tug on your heart to continue to grow up within your faith walk? Are you uncomfortable with the new areas and levels of commitment God is requesting? Do you tend to be fearful and afraid of new things, situations or circumstances?

Saints, God is asking each of us to grow up! We are to grow up in our levels of commitment and dedication within our faith walks. God may be allowing us to encounter new experiences and seasons so that we gain a glimpse into different aspects of His character. It may, also, be an opportunity to allow us to move into a deeper relationship with Him and others. As we walk throughout life's various happenings, we can look at each as an opportunity to grow and expand our service.

On the other hand, if we opt to refuse to grow up and move into different seasons as ordained by God - our faith walk may become stunted. We may miss out on multiple blessings and growth opportunities. Let's grab hold of opportunities to grow up!


History of Morning Teas by Rugina Poellnitz
Morning Teas were written by Diann Thomas and distributed by Linda Cunningham-Hames. My role in them is to (1) read as a personal devotional and (2) write a mini intro posing questions and a message of encouragement.
During 2011, Diann Thomas passed away unexpectedly and sadly, Linda Cunningham-Hames passed away on July 24, 2012. I've never met either in person, corresponded with Linda via email, and never corresponded with Diann. We were connected via technology and hearts for God. Going forward, I intend to continue to share Morning Teas in their honor (as well as add my Mother, Evelyn Carter-Pete, since she prayed and inspired me (and others) to live faithfully and abundantly prior to her passing in 2007).






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