THURSDAY September 26, 2024

Maturity of Mind

Therefore let us, as many as are mature, have this mind; and if in anything you think otherwise, God will reveal even this to you. Nevertheless, to the degree that we have already attained, let us walk by the same rule, let us be of the same mind.
Philippians 3:15-16

Paul knew that if the Philippians joined together with him to have the same mind––pressing toward the goal for the prize of the upward call in Christ Jesus––they would be united in one purpose! He showed them how to be mature, to have a spiritual mind. They needed to keep things in perspective from God’s viewpoint. No matter what, Paul showed them that despite his trials, he kept his mind and heart on eternity.

Paul kept his mind on the Lord, even when God allowed a thorn from Satan, to buffet him. He had seen unimaginable things in heaven and needed to remain humble:

But I must not be too proud of the wonderful things that were shown to me. So a painful problem was given to me—an angel from Satan, sent to make me suffer, so that I would not think that I am better than anyone else (2 Corinthians 12:7 ERV).

When we look with our eyes at our problems and situations in life, if our mind is fixed on this world, everything will look bleak; but if we keep our mind on Christ, we will realize that, somehow, He will work it out for our good: You will keep in perfect peace all who trust in you, all whose thoughts are fixed on you! (Isaiah 26:3 NLT).

Some of you today may be thinking, I do not think I will make it through the night! Listen, God will take care of you. You will make it through the night because He is with you, and He will give you His strength.

As a Christian, like Paul, live for eternity. Keep in mind, the Lord one day will be knocking at your door to take you home. While there is time, do His will; and when your work for Him is completed, He will take you home. This world is temporal. It is passing away, but in heaven, you have reached your goal––your prize awaits!

Spiritual maturity is not reached by the passing of the years, but by obedience to the will of God.
~Oswald Chambers~

For more from Raul Ries, please visit SomebodyLovesYou.com!