MARK 14:32-36 – And they went to a place called Gethsemane. And he said to his disciples, “Sit here while I pray.” And he took with him Peter and James and John, and began to be greatly distressed and troubled. And he said to them, “My soul is very sorrowful, even to death. Remain here and watch.” And going a little farther, he fell on the ground and prayed that, if it were possible, the hour might pass from him. And he said, “Abba, Father, all things are possible for you. Remove this cup from me. Yet not what I will, but what you will.”
THEME OF THE DAY. THE HEIGHT OF SPIRITUAL MATURITY. Every Christian longs for and pursues obedience to the Apostle Peter’s exhortation – But grow in the grace and knowledge of our Lord and Savior Jesus Christ. To him be the glory both now and to the day of eternity. Amen (2 Peter 3:18). But how would we know this is happening in our hearts and lives? What would be the validating evidence we are experiencing spiritual growth as a Christian? Today, let’s consider two accurate “spiritual yardsticks” by which we may to do some spiritual self-measurements. Neither deal with our actions. Don’t misunderstand me. Conduct matters. Actions matter. True saving faith in Christ moves us to acts of loving obedience to His commands, but all spiritual growth begins inside – the heart and our character and attitudes.
In measuring our spiritual growth and maturity in Christ, the most important and most accurate measurement is our growing likeness to the character of Christ. Maurice Roberts in his helpful little book Union and Communion with Christ wrote, “ The only evidence of real Christian faith and life is to be seen in the character we possess. Where Christ is in a man’s soul, the fruits of love, peace, and holiness will be visible. The Holy Spirit is not so much given to impart gifts to men as to create in them a likeness to Christ. Grace is above gifts; gifts can be counterfeited by Satan, but true love, faith, and holiness cannot be.” To apply this first “spiritual yardstick” to measure our spiritual growth and maturity, hold a “family meeting” and ask those closest to us – our families – if we are manifesting a life growing in the Fruit of the Spirit. Yes, that might be hard, but it will be good regardless of the feedback. Remember, they love us so if the “tree is a little bare of spiritual fruit”, that can change. God is in the business of changing us.
The next evidence of spiritual growth and a maturing faith in Christ is found in today’s scripture. In this sacred setting of our Lord’s agony in Gethsemane, we are given a simple but deeply profound statement of glad submission to the will of God, regardless of personal cost – And he said, “Abba, Father, all things are possible for you. Remove this cup from me. Yet not what I will, but what you will.” Friends, the height of spiritual maturity occurs when no matter the personal cost, the amount of suffering and loss, the level of emotional agony, and feeling of totally abandon by everyone, we may kneel, as our Lord, and rest completely in God’s will being done. Is this hard? Extremely. Is it possible? Absolutely. The Christ who prayed, “Nevertheless Your will be done” is also the Christ who will empower us to cry out in the deepest of pain, “Nevertheless, Your will be done.” That is spiritual maturity. That is the mark of a Christian growing in the grace and knowledge of the Lord Jesus.
PRAYER: “Father, may I come to the point of glad submission to Your will no matter the pain or cost in my life.”
QUOTE: “The height of spiritual maturity is when, in the midst of suffering and grief, we may say, ‘Your will be done.’”