The Growth Chart of Faith: Becoming Like Christ
It's easy to think of spiritual growth as an automatic thing, like how our bodies just naturally mature (unless you’re like me and stayed the smallest kid in class for way too long!). We had those growth charts on the wall, didn't we? Measuring how tall we got.
But unlike physical growth, becoming like Jesus—or "being IN Christ"—requires intention. It's a journey from not knowing God to knowing God to making God known. It's about checking our spiritual, emotional, and mental systems to ensure we're growing into the people God created us to be.
The New Identity: Unique and United
When we are in Christ, we are made new and unique. This union with Jesus means we're also united with each other, all empowered by the Holy Spirit for a unique, shared purpose.
This purpose isn't exclusive. The prophet Isaiah promised: "My Temple will be called a house of prayer for all nations... I will bring others, too, besides my people Israel." (Isaiah 56:7-8). As God's "holy temple," we are the new gathering place where the wall of hostility is broken down. We are separated not from the world, but from sin to live holy lives in the world, showcasing God's grace to everyone.
Making Jesus Known: The Three P's of Maturity
The Apostle Paul, in his letter to the Ephesians (chapter 3), gives us a roadmap for maturity—a clear picture of how we make Jesus known. Despite his own history as the "least deserving," God transformed him from a silencer of the Gospel into a powerful voice. Paul reveals his methods: Preaching, Prison, and Prayer.
1. Preaching (Telling the Story)
We are all commissioned to "preach," not necessarily from a pulpit, but by retelling the story of Jesus through our actions and words. Your life is the greatest sermon most people will ever see.
Don't overcomplicate it. Preaching can be as simple as a kind act followed by a simple message. Paul called it "spreading," "telling," and "explaining" the mysterious plan of God. The most powerful message you have is your own story of God's love and grace. What has he done, and what is he doing in your life right now? Be ready to share it!
2. Prison (The Power of Suffering)
Paul was literally a prisoner, yet he told the Ephesians not to lose heart because his trials were for their benefit. Jesus suffered, and the disciple is not above the master.
In our immaturity, suffering often makes us complain and focus on our own pain. But as we mature, suffering becomes a megaphone for God's grace and a refining fire for our testimony. Paul understood that suffering presents an opportunity to tell Jesus's story. It refines our voice, proving that God's grace is sufficient.
When you face pain—whether from bad choices, persecution, or life's hardships—ask yourself: "How is Jesus presenting himself to me in this suffering so I can present him to others?" Hold onto the hope that suffering is not eternal; it is a place where God refines your voice to point people to Jesus.
3. Prayer (The Foundation)
Next time, we’ll dive deeper into the third mark of maturity: Prayer.
Check Your Growth Chart
The more we grow, the more we look, act, and talk like Christ. Our ultimate goal is to move the spiritual growth chart from being unknown to making Jesus known so that "God's purpose in all this was to use the church to display his wisdom in its rich variety to all the unseen rulers and authorities in the heavenly places" (Ephesians 3:10).
Where are you on your growth chart of becoming like Jesus? In what ways are you intentionally making him known this week?
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