JAMES 1:4 (NIV) :”Perseverance must finish its work so that you may be mature and complete, not lacking anything”. When we reflect on our walk with Christ we will undoubtedly find that in the main areas of our journey we are all right. However, on closer scrutiny we will also find that in some areas we tend to be slovenly. These are usually the carnal areas of our lives that have not been fully committed to God.

Once we commit to a life in Christ, our Heavenly Father begins to work with us in the process of bringing us to spiritual maturity. Nothing will escape His scrutiny until He completes the finished product in us. He never tires of bringing us back to the same point until we learn the lesson that will take us up another rung towards maturity. God is just trying to impress upon us the one thing that is not entirely right. His methods, although gentle, are unmistakably firm! We must remember that although we may be having a wonderful time in our relationship with God our external expression of that relationship must be truly reflective of our inner spiritual growth.

In 1 PETER 4:12 -13, we are told that we should not be surprised at the painful tests we may endure, but rejoice that we participate in the sufferings of Christ so that His glory will be revealed in us. In addition, JAMES 1:3 tells us that the testing of our faith develops perseverance. This implies not giving up or quitting under any circumstance. This type of determination can only lead to spiritual maturity and completion of the finished product.

Eternal Father, our desire is to become spiritually mature with nothing lacking both with You and our fellowmen. May we as a nation submit to Your correction so that we will be mature and complete in You. We are determined to persevere and not lose hope until we become entirely Yours.

In Jesus’ name,

Amen.

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