Today’s word provides us with a powerful reminder. It is God's will for each of us to grow to our full potential in our spiritual walk in Christ. Let us look at the example provided to us through the life of Jesus. The English Standard Version uses the word Increase, which means that Jesus at a very young age exemplified the characteristics of a well-rounded person far above his peers. Jesus, the son of the living God is seen in his humanity willing to learn as other human beings learn, developing his true Godly Character, in every aspect of his life, intellectually, socially, and spiritually.

Let us take a closer look at what this actually means.

Ephesians 5:1-2 gives us an insight into what God expects from us as followers of Jesus “Therefore be imitators of God, as beloved children; and walk in love, just as Christ also loved you and gave Himself up for us, an offering and a sacrifice to God as a fragrant aroma.”

It is God's will that we as followers of Christ grow and mature in all aspects of our lives. Jesus set forth an example that we all should live by in the following ways;

Matthew 16:24 says, “Then Jesus said to His disciples, “If anyone wishes to come after me, he must deny himself, and take up his cross and follow me.” This verse acknowledges our walk may not always be easy, but rest assured it will be the most satisfying walk to spiritual maturity you will experience. If you put in the effort and are willing to let go of the things in your life that might be holding you back from a full commitment to God, and His plans for your life and family. God will see your willingness to cultivate your character with a humble heart and will empower you in all the aspects that you are still struggling with. Praise God in your humanity and thank Jesus for his powerful example.

Querido Padre Celestial,

Lord, I praise You and love You with all my heart, and I willingly repent from being unable to fully let go of all the things hindering my walk with Jesus, Your precious son. Help me lay a solid foundation for my life through Your Word, help me experience the joy of a fully committed life in You. Let me increase in wisdom and Godly characteristics, of faith, love, and mercy that will honor and glorify You as my Creator, Lord, and King. In the name of Jesus, I pray. Amen.

Live up to the challenge of today’s devotional – openly acknowledging anything that might be hindering your effort of imitating Christ in your growth to the stature of what God intended for you.

Meditate on today’s verse repeatedly, memorize it, and apply it daily in every aspect of your life.

God’s words will empower you and help you build a firm foundation that will allow you to grow (increase) in wisdom, and in stature before your peers, being a Godly example just like Jesus was to his generation and the generations that have followed.