Snapshots 
Biblical Truth
OF
Grow In Character
BIBLE REFERENCES:

Psalm 32:8-10 (NIV) “I will instruct you and teach you in the way you should go; I will counsel you and watch over you. Do not be like the horse or the mule, which have no understanding but must be controlled by bit and bridle or they will not come to you. Many are the woes of the wicked, but the Lord’s unfailing love surrounds the man who trusts in him.”

1 Corinthians 13:11 (NIV) “When I was a child, I talked like a child; I thought like a child, I reasoned like a child. When I became a man, I put childish ways behind me.” 

Hebrews 5:11-14 (NIV) “We have much to say about this, but it is hard to explain because you are slow to learn. In fact, though by this time you ought to be teachers, you need someone to teach you the elementary truths of God’s word all over again. ”

Hebrews 6:1-3 (NIV) “Therefore let us leave the elementary teachings about Christ and go on to maturity, not laying again the foundation of repentance from acts that lead to death, and of faith in God, instruction about baptisms, the laying on of hands, the resurrection of the dead, and eternal judgment.”

2 Peter 1:5-8 (NIV) “For this very reason, make every effort to add to your faith goodness; and to goodness, knowledge; and to knowledge, self-control; and to self control, perseverance; and to perseverance, godliness; and to godliness, brotherly kindness; and to brotherly kindness, love. For if you possess these qualities in increasing measure, they will keep you from being ineffective and unproductive in your knowledge of our Lord Jesus Christ.”

APPLICATION:

Sometimes we adults can be right down childish in the way we think and act. It seems some Christians even have a hard time growing up in the faith. The Bible instructs us to set aside our childish thoughts and ways and to grow up. For the Christian it is to grow up and become mature in our faith, to become more like Jesus Christ. This will only happen when we search God’s word and apply its teaching to our lives. The Bible is our instruction book for growing up in the faith.
As a Christian who is grounded in the Bible and mature in my faith I should no longer be swayed by every thought and belief system the world comes up with. God’s word tells us that God himself will show us the way - with clarity. True wisdom comes from God. God alone is able to impart wisdom into our lives and provide us with a firm anchor on truth. 

In one of our scriptures the Apostle Peter instructs us to continue in our faith by pursuing new heights in maturity and spiritual growth (see graphic) and developing godly character. This requires some effort on our part. None of this comes automatically or naturally. But the end results are blessed by God.
A PRAYER:

“God, help me to grow up in my faith so that I don’t keep falling into the same old trap of unbelief, spiritual slothfulness, laziness and settling for the status quo. Help me to excel in my faith so that I can become effective and productive in your kingdom.”

SNAPSHOT: