Today we badly need people like St. John the Baptizer (see Mk 6:17ff). We need courageous men and women who will speak the truth in love (Eph 4:15) and stand up for purity. We need mature Christians, not "infants in Christ" (1 Cor 3:1) "tossed here and there, carried about by every wind of doctrine that originates in human trickery and skill in proposing error" (Eph 4:14).
How mature or immature are you in the Christian life? Among the many signs of maturity are the following:
Using these four guidelines, check your maturity level. Thank the Lord for the maturity you have. Repent of not being more mature. Ask for the Holy Spirit to make you holy, that is, "fully mature and lacking in nothing" (Jas 1:4).
Life is very challenging. The Lord has an astounding plan for your life. Satan hates you and is trying to drag you into hell. You are going to face tremendous challenges. You will need all the maturity you can get. Grow fast and deep in maturity.
| PRAYER: | Prayer: Father, I repent of stunting my growth through selfishness. |
| PROMISE: | Promise: "My mouth shall declare Your justice, day by day Your salvation." –Ps 71:15 |
| PRAISE: | Praise: St. John the Baptizer told the truth, and the truth set him free from fear of failure and death (see Jn 8:32, 36). |
Reprinted with permission from Presentation Ministries, a lay association of the Catholic Church that focuses on evangelization and discipleship through Bible teaching, daily Mass, the charisms of the Holy Spirit, and Small Christian Community. Their ministries include:
· One Bread, One Body
· Daily Bread Radio Program
· Annual Bible Institute
· Discipleship Retreats
· Guadalupe Bible College