Caution For Maturing Christians – By Iwalola(Lola) Ademodi

🌺Maturing Christians often face unique challenges that require perseverance, faith, and dependence on God in order to walk through our journey faithfully.

🌺Those of us who are believers in Christ must exercise caution as we mature in our faith so that we do not stumble or cause others to stumble.

🌺The enemy of our souls does not want us to mature. Therefore, he uses anything including good thing to cause us to stumble.

🌺Spiritual Complacency which is a sense of feeling satisfied with current level of relationship with God.

πŸ’₯Maturing Christians can become complacent in their spiritual growth, feeling satisfied with their current level of commitment to God.

πŸ’₯To avoid complacency, maturing Christians should seek:

πŸ‘‰πŸΎSeek accountability with other Christians.

πŸ‘‰πŸΎSet spiritual goals and

πŸ‘‰πŸΎPractice spiritual disciplines

🌺Pride and Self-Reliance or Spiritual arrogance.

As Christians mature, it is easy to become proud of our accomplishments and forget our dependence on God.

β€­β€­βœοΈ1 Corinthians‬ ‭10‬:‭12‬-‭13‬ ‭AMP‬‬ admonish us:

πŸ‘‰πŸΎβ€Therefore let the one who thinks he stands firm [immune to temptation, being overconfident and self-righteous], take care that he does not fall [into sin and condemnation].

πŸ‘‰πŸΎNo temptation [regardless of its source] has overtaken or enticed you that is not common to human experience [nor is any temptation unusual or beyond human resistance];

πŸ‘‰πŸΎbut God is faithful [to His wordβ€”He is compassionate and trustworthy], and He will not let you be tempted beyond your ability [to resist],

πŸ‘‰πŸΎbut along with the temptation He [has in the past and is now and] will [always] provide the way out as well, so that you will be able to endure it [without yielding, and will overcome temptation with joy].”

πŸ’₯We must pray that God grants us humility and dependence on God and cultivate a heart that:

πŸ‘‰πŸΎRecognize our limitations

πŸ‘‰πŸΎSeek feedback from others and

πŸ‘‰πŸΎPractice gratitude

🌺Doubt and Uncertainty. Read Psalm 73:1-28

πŸ’₯As maturing Christians we may face doubts and uncertainties about our faith, especially when confronted with suffering or injustice.

πŸ’₯We can overcome doubts and uncertainties by:

πŸ‘‰πŸΎConfessing our doubts to God and ask Him for help.

πŸ‘‰πŸΎSeeking guidance from Scripture,

πŸ‘‰πŸΎTalking to trusted friends or mentors, and

πŸ‘‰πŸΎPracticing faith and trust on a daily basis.

🌺Burnout and Exhaustion

πŸ’₯Maturing Christians must be careful not to can take on too much and experience burnout and exhaustion.

πŸ’₯We must prioritize rest and self-care by:

πŸ‘‰πŸΎ Setting boundaries,

πŸ‘‰πŸΎTaking breaks, and

πŸ‘‰πŸΎSeeking help and support from others

πŸ‘‰πŸΎFind rest in Jesus Christ

✝️Jesus said in Matthew‬ ‭11‬:‭28‬-‭30‬ ‭AMP‬‬

πŸ‘‰πŸΎβ€Come to Me, all who are weary and heavily burdened [by religious rituals that provide no peace], and I will give you rest [refreshing your souls with salvation].

πŸ‘‰πŸΎTake My yoke upon you and learn from Me [following Me as My disciple], for I am gentle and humble in heart, and you will find rest (renewal, blessed quiet) for your souls.

πŸ‘‰πŸΎFor My yoke is easy [to bear] and My burden is light.””

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🌺Disillusionment with the Church. Read 1 Corinthians 12:12-31

πŸ’₯Maturing Christians may become disillusioned with the imperfections and shortcomings of the church.

πŸ’₯We can maintain a positive and constructive attitude towards the church by:

πŸ‘‰πŸΎFocusing on the church’s mission,

πŸ‘‰πŸΎPracticing forgiveness, and

πŸ‘‰πŸΎSeeking to make a positive impact.

NOW LET US PRAY

πŸ”₯Holy God, thank You for bringing us into another day in life.

πŸ”₯We praise You for all that You are in our lives.

πŸ”₯Holy Spirit, empower us to persevere in our walk with You.

πŸ”₯Lord, remove any and all doubts from our minds.

πŸ”₯Guide us through exercising our faith and build unshakable trust in You, Jehovah God.

πŸ”₯Help us rest on You and Your promises

πŸ”₯In Jesus Christ’s most precious name I have prayed. Amen πŸ™πŸΎ

Have a blessed day ❀️

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