The family of God gets growing pains!
1 Peter 3:8 – Finally, all of you, have unity of mind, sympathy, brotherly love, a tender heart, and a humble mind.
Growing pains in children are very real. Muscles that cramp, usually in the late afternoon, evening, or in the middle of the night, often begin in children as early as 3 or 4 years old. Mayo Clinic says that, although these pains are called growing pains, there’s no evidence that growth hurts. They say the pains may be linked to a lowered pain threshold, or, in some cases, to psychological issues.
While there may be no evidence that “growth hurts” in the physical sense, that is often not true for spiritual growth. Maturing in the Lord is the most important thing you can do in your life. If you look at the life of the Apostle Paul, you’ll see times of failures, flaws, struggles, persecution, imprisonment, and rejection…all painful. You may not have to endure any of what Paul experienced, but, from today’s verse, you see traits that belong in a mature believer that are counter to today’s culture.
In these tenuous days when an election is bearing down, when accusations fly about like nasty gnats, your being a messenger for Christ can get lost. In 2 Peter 1, you are reminded to make every effort to add goodness, knowledge, self-control, perseverance, godliness, mutual affection, and love to your life. And, while “unity of mind” might not be possible in a divided electorate, you and other believers must be in agreement on the redemptive work of Jesus Christ!
Pray With Us
Father in Heaven, once again Your Holy Spirit is nudging me to grow up more in my relationship with You. Draw me nearer to the cross of Jesus today. Help me place my own burdens and pains there—and to leave them in Your care. Help me to hold affection for other believers when they don’t see things the same way that I do, knowing that, in the end, it is our mutual relationship with You that is what counts. Lovingly reprimand me if I am guilty of sowing division and forgive me. I ask all these things in the Name of Jesus,
Amen.
