Joyce Meyer Daily Devotional (December 22, 2024) Growing in Spiritual Maturity.
You, therefore, must be perfect [growing into complete maturity of godliness in mind and character, having reached the proper height of virtue and integrity], as your heavenly Father is perfect. Matthew 5:48 (AMPC)
We can have a perfect heart toward God and not demonstrate perfect behavior. People with a perfect heart want to be all God wants them to be, and they cooperate with the work of the Holy Spirit in their lives as He changes them. They love God’s Word and desire to be obedient to Him. They love Jesus with all their heart, soul, mind, and strength, and when they do sin, it saddens them, and they repent immediately.
God has begun a good work in us and promised to complete it (Philippians 1:6). He works in us gradually as we continue in His Word and in fellowship with Him. He changes us little by little.
As God works in you, celebrate your progress and don’t let yourself be overly concerned about how far you still have to go. The good news is that you are on your way. Each day you grow spiritually, even though you may not see the changes that are taking place.
Be patient with God’s work in you and be patient with yourself. There are no overnight successes. If at first you don’t succeed at something, you are normal. The key is to never give up. Keep pressing toward victory, letting go of what lies behind you.
Prayer of the Day: Father, thank You for the work You are doing in me. I love You very much and I want to be all You want me to be. I trust that You are working in me each day, and I celebrate my progress. In Jesus’ name, amen.
