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In Philippians 3:12-13, Paul gives us an important insight into becoming complete or mature in
Christ,
Not that I have already attained, or am already perfected (or complete); but I press on, that I may lay hold of that for which Christ
Jesus has also laid hold of me. Brethren, I do not count myself to have apprehended; but one thing I do, forgetting those things which are behind and reaching forward to those things which are
ahead..
As believers, we must realize that we have a way to go. We have not arrived. There are still some things ahead. We still must press on. But some people have the idea they have
arrived. They don't need to grow anymore; they don't need to study anymore; they don't need to increase anymore.
It is like the true story of a young neighbor who was talking to Albert Einstein at a dinner party. She asked, "What is it exactly that you do as a profession?" Einstein looked at her
and said, "I've devoted myself to the study of physics." And in shock she replied, "Studying physics at your age? I finished my studies a year ago!"
Unfortunately, that is the attitude many Christians have today about their spiritual growth. They think they have finished. Instead, our attitude should be like 95-year-old Pablo
Casals, considered to be the greatest cellist that the world has ever known. A young reporter asked him one day, "You're 95. The world considers you to be its greatest cellist; and still, at 95, you
practice six hours a day. Why?" To which he responded, "Because I think I'm making progress."
Friend, you have not arrived. Set your goal to be making progress every day. That is how you will become mature in Christ.
By Bayless Conley
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