| In my yard are quarter-circles of grass growing taller | | | | (what would Jesus do?), but also by WWJT (think) |
| than the rest. There 's also a 12-foot circle with no | | | | and WWJB (be). It is not just actions but also thoughts |
| grass. What explains these phenomena? Alien laser | | | | and motives that measure maturity. |
| blasts? A Martian landing site? No. The arcs are | | | | 3. Spiritual character: the fruit of the Spirit (Gal. 5:22-23). |
| where we threw lawn fertilizer, and the circle is where | | | | Am I growing in love, in joy, in peace, in patience, in |
| the above-ground pool stood. Whether growth is fast, | | | | kindness, in goodness, in faithfulness, in gentleness, and |
| slow, or non-existent, the difference is easy to discern. | | | | in self-control? It's like a cluster of grapes: each |
| Paul tells his opponents to stop using worldly yardsticks | | | | matures on its own--patience may be green while joy |
| instead of God's (2 Cor. 10:12). By a worldling's | | | | is ripe. Yet they all mature together. |
| measure, Paul seemed a failure, but in God's eyes he | | | | 4. Spiritual offspring: those you teach (Heb. 5:12). The |
| was a glorious conqueror. By what standards should | | | | ability to instruct others in the faith is a mark of |
| we measure spiritual progress? | | | | maturity. The immature cannot reproduce. How are |
| | | | you doing at being able to share the gospel with |
| 1. Spiritual diet: meat vs. milk (1 Cor. 3:1-2). Am I learning | | | | someone else? |
| more of God's Word, going broader and deeper than | | | | God blesses the heart that is devoted to Him. Will you |
| ever before? Or am I just rehashing what I've known | | | | settle for no-growth or slow-growth by devoting |
| for years, or worse yet, not reading and studying at | | | | yourself to worldly pursuits or giving the Lord |
| all? | | | | half-hearted effort? Or will you put your heart and soul |
| 2. Spiritual model: Jesus Christ (Eph. 4:13). We measure | | | | into maturing in Christ? Either way, the difference will |
| our growth not by comparing ourselves with others, | | | | soon be evident. |
| but with Christ. My life is guided not just by WWJD | | | | |