A Spectacle Of Glory #135

Read: Romans 7:14-19

Do your memories reach back to the tween years, ages ten to twelve or so? You felt almost grown-up at times, yet you were still very much a child—playing with dolls or Hot Wheels and not quite ready to let go of your favorite stuffed animal. You needed to grow up, but it took time to do so. That’s what I appreciate so much about Romans 7. It gives me great hope to know that even Paul, the great apostle, struggled to grow in Christ. And if it was difficult path for him, you know it’s a challenge for us! As Christians, however, we must continue growing. The Holy Spirit will help us and nudge us along into spiritual adulthood. But it means we’ve got to starve our old, sinful nature and feed the new creation we are in Christ. It’s way past time for us to grow up!

Holy Spirit, draw me further into life—authentic life—today. If I’ve been playing with mud pies at the side of the road, help me to get back on the journey. I want to let go of the childish, unhelpful things I’ve been clinging to for comfort. I want to grow up into all You want me to be.