7 Sep, 2006
BIG FOR LITTLE LEAGUE
First baseman Aaron Durley (center) stands alongside his Saudi Arabia teammates after defeating Canada 5-0 in a pool-play opener of the Little League World Series on Aug. 18. Only 13 years old, Durley is 6-foot-8 and weighs 256 pounds. (photo courtesy si.com & AP, 8/24/06)
Grow up!
The photo of the big little league kid made me shake my head in amazement. Talk about a "man among boys"! Can you imagine the conversations? Kids always compare themselves to each other. This got me thinking about the fact that we do the same spiritually.
What does today's scripture teach us about spiritual growth?
Peter was one of Christ's disciples and had experienced a deep friendship with the Son of God, face to face. He also knew up close and personal what it was like to recognize his own sinful failures and then experience the loving forgiveness of God through what Jesus had done on the cross.
In these verses, Peter is giving both a warning and some essential instruction for all followers of Jesus.
He had been discussing the danger of false teachers. There were "religious" leaders who liked God's forgiveness so much that they had no problem with "christians" continuing to practice their favorite sins.
So Peter's warning is that we need to look out for those who twist God's Truth. His unconditional love and forgiveness does not give us a free pass to sin. Rather, this should motivate us to follow Christ more obediently.
How? By growing in the special favor and knowledge of Jesus! This instruction from Peter is God's desire for each of us. The better we know Jesus, the less desirable "religious" truth twisting will be.
Sometimes I find myself rationalizing my own sinfulness by comparing myself to other Christ followers. If I see myself spiritually BIGGER than others, I must be OK, right? Wrong.
No matter how long we've been a follower of Jesus or how spiritually mature we might be, there's always room for growth.
How can you connect today's God's Story to your life?
- Pray right now. Thank God for His amazing grace! Confess any way in which you have been twisting God's Truth or flirting with the world rather than growing in intimacy with Jesus. Thank Jesus for forgiving you and growing you.
- Memorize 2 Peter 3:18 as a reminder of how essential it is to keep growing with Jesus.
- Write down three ways you are more spiritually mature now than you were six months ago. If there hasn't been growth or you've shrunk, make a plan for how you will get to know Jesus better...consistent time with Jesus...study the scriptures...get involved in a small group and/or your youth group...serve Christ by volunteering to serve others....ask someone to hold you accountable...
- Whenever you see pictures of yourself and see changes, let this remind you to let Jesus change you to be more like Him.
How can you connect today's story, God's Story and your story to others?
- Look for people shorter than yourself so that you can stand out (just kidding!). Watch for the times when those in your storysphere (circle of influence) are feeling "small" about themselves. Offer to listen and then encourage them. It's a small thing to do, but it could make a BIG difference in their lives.
- Share today's DAILYBIDE with a friend, your youth group or your small group. Compare your thoughts and needs. You will grow together.
- May 2012 [14]
- April 2012 [19]
- March 2012 [21]
- February 2012 [19]
- January 2012 [18]
- December 2011 [20]
- November 2011 [15]
- October 2011 [15]
- September 2011 [14]
- August 2011 [22]
- July 2011 [19]
- June 2011 [21]
- May 2011 [20]
- April 2011 [20]
- March 2011 [21]
- February 2011 [20]
- January 2011 [21]
- December 2010 [21]
- November 2010 [21]
- October 2010 [21]
- September 2010 [22]
- August 2010 [21]
- July 2010 [22]
- June 2010 [20]
- May 2010 [18]
- April 2010 [20]
- March 2010 [23]
- February 2010 [19]
- January 2010 [22]
- December 2009 [22]
- November 2009 [21]
- October 2009 [22]
- September 2009 [21]
- August 2009 [20]
- July 2009 [21]
- June 2009 [22]
- May 2009 [18]
- April 2009 [15]
- March 2009 [7]
- February 2009 [17]
- January 2009 [20]
- December 2008 [23]
- November 2008 [19]
- October 2008 [22]
- September 2008 [22]
- August 2008 [19]
- July 2008 [22]
- June 2008 [11]
- May 2008 [19]
- April 2008 [22]
- March 2008 [21]
- February 2008 [18]
- January 2008 [20]
- December 2007 [18]
- November 2007 [15]
- October 2007 [19]
- September 2007 [18]
- August 2007 [12]
- July 2007 [12]
- June 2007 [9]
- May 2007 [11]
- April 2007 [10]
- March 2007 [11]
- February 2007 [14]
- January 2007 [7]
- December 2006 [4]
- November 2006 [13]
- October 2006 [17]
- September 2006 [11]
- August 2006 [16]
- July 2006 [10]
- June 2006 [3]
