An Independence Day Message: Moving Toward Maturity
This week, I had the joy of attending a baseball game with my son, Ben. My grandson, Logan, is an all-star player, and the excitement was palpable as we watched him and his team play. After a long weekend filled with games, I reflected on the importance of family and the generations that come before us. Just as I cherish these moments with my family, God deeply cares for the generations, both present and future.
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What Are We Hearing from God?
At the end of one of the games, Logan turned to me and asked, “What’s going on at Life Springs?” For a moment, I was taken aback. I wasn’t sure how to respond. He continued, “Is the Holy Spirit moving?” I nodded and began sharing about our Celebrate Recovery program on Wednesdays. Over the years, we’ve seen lives transformed as people embrace God’s principles and allow Him to grip their hearts.
However, I felt a twinge of disappointment in myself for not having more to say. It’s easy to become overwhelmed by the cares and anxieties of life, or on the flip side, to become too comfortable when things are going well. We can lose sight of the importance of staying connected to the Spirit’s movement among us.
Radical Commitment
Reflecting on recent messages, I recalled a powerful talk from a remarkable woman named Okhla, who shared her journey from Venezuela. She called us to radical commitment, referencing the parable of the rich young ruler. In this story, the ruler claimed to have followed all the commandments, but Jesus told him he lacked one thing: to sell all he had and follow Him. This call to radical commitment challenges us to consider what we are holding onto that keeps us from fully following Christ.
Then there was Terry Thompson’s message on resurrection faith and unconditional surrender. He emphasized the need to allow God to deal with judgment in our lives. Resurrection faith is a powerful, experiential faith that guides us daily. It’s not just about believing; it’s about living out that belief in a way that transforms us.
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Intimacy with the Shepherd
The messages from Bishop on Psalm 23 struck a chord with me as well. The intimacy of knowing the Good Shepherd is vital. He knows His sheep intimately, and they know His voice. This relationship fosters a radical commitment to follow Him, leading us to a faith that is alive and active in our lives.
As I prepared this message, I titled it “Moving in Maturity.” It’s about reviving our intimacy with God, which drives us from immaturity into maturity. Paul wrote about this in his letters, stating that when he was a child, he spoke and thought like a child. But when he became a man, he put away childish things. Our goal should be the same—to grow in our faith and maturity.
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Characteristics of Childhood
What are some characteristics of children? Innocence, silliness, trusting nature, gullibility, and sometimes selfishness. These traits can linger into adulthood if we don’t allow ourselves to be transformed by God’s love. We can be stubborn, self-absorbed, and even disobedient. However, when we encounter Jesus and experience His love, those traits begin to melt away.
This transformation is not instantaneous; it requires a relationship with Jesus that is alive and real. It motivates us to leave behind our selfish lives and embrace a life of service and love.
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Lessons from History
Looking back at the history of the Israelites, we see a pattern of childish characteristics. Despite being delivered from slavery in Egypt, the first generation struggled with rebellion and stubbornness. They had been in bondage for 400 years, and when faced with challenges, they often turned back instead of pressing forward in faith.
Psalm 78 and Psalm 106 recount their history, highlighting their failures and stubbornness. God had delivered them mightily, yet they struggled to trust Him fully. They often wanted their own way, thinking independence was a virtue. However, this independence stemmed from stubbornness and rebellion against God.
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God’s Desire for Us
God’s desire was to create a new nation, a distinct people who would be a blessing to the nations. He wanted them to grow in their identity and purpose. Unfortunately, many of them died in the wilderness due to their rebellion. God had the power to deliver them from Egypt, but He wanted to deliver Egypt out of them as well. This journey was about more than physical freedom; it was about spiritual transformation.
Just as God desired for the Israelites to grow up and out of their childish patterns, He desires the same for us. Our maturity comes through intimacy with Him, which drives us away from selfish living and into a relationship that reflects His love.
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Establishing a Pattern of Intimacy
Moses set a pattern of intimacy with God throughout his life. He had several encounters with God that shaped his leadership. One such encounter was at the burning bush, where he was called to lead the Israelites out of Egypt. Despite his initial hesitations, Moses recognized the importance of turning aside to meet with God.
Later, during a battle against the Amalekites, Moses went up a hill to pray. He understood the importance of maintaining a position of prayer and reliance on God. As long as his hands were raised in prayer, the Israelites prevailed. This illustrates the necessity of prayer and seeking God’s guidance in our lives.
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A Tent of Meeting
Moses also established a tent of meeting outside the camp, a place where he could commune with God. This tent became a symbol of intimacy and relationship. Whenever Moses entered, the pillar of cloud would descend, signifying God’s presence. This was not just a ritual; it was a powerful reminder of God’s desire to meet with His people.
In our own lives, we must establish our own ‘tents of meeting.’ Whether it’s a dedicated space for prayer or simply a time set aside to seek God, these moments are vital for our spiritual growth. They help us cultivate intimacy with the Lord, allowing us to know Him more deeply.
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Conclusion: The Call to Return
As we reflect on these lessons, I urge you to consider where you are in your relationship with God. Are you still holding onto childish ways, or are you ready to embrace maturity? God is calling us to open the door of our hearts and invite Him in. He longs for fellowship and friendship with us.
This Independence Day, let us celebrate not just our national freedom, but the freedom we have in Christ. Let us seek to grow in maturity and intimacy with Him, leaving behind the childish ways that hinder our walk with God. May we cherish the call to be a blessing to the generations to come, just as He has blessed us.
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Let us pray for the courage to embrace this call and for the strength to move forward in our faith. May God bless you and keep you, and may His face shine upon you as you seek to grow in your relationship with Him.
