Strange as it may be, we all happen to be people of habit, but never the less there seems to be a drive within us to improve our self-image in the way we look, the way we dress, the way we conduct our affairs, and most important the way we think. All this involves change within us from nap-pies to a sense of responsibility and ac-countability which presently is a very rare commodity in the society in which we live today. Bearing in mind that change is not always easy, because it involves a lot of heart searching as we come to grips how we can improve our lifestyle, to be a better person that re-flects the image of Christ within our lives.

When I was a child I experienced growing pains, as Christians, we also experience growing pains. As if I want to grow in Christ, how do I go about it? The answer is simple to understand when turning to the Word of God. Romans 12 : 2 “AND DO NOT BE CONFORMED TO THIS WORLD, BUT BE TRANS-FORMED BY THE RENEWING OF YOUR MIND, THAT YOU MAY PROVE WHAT IS THAT GOOD AND ACCEPTABLE AND PERFECT WILL OF GOD.” Meditating on the word of God brings transformation within our lives. Paul in writing to the church at Corinth had this to say in 1 Corinthians 13 : 11 “WHEN I WAS A CHILD, I SPOKE AS A CHILD, I UNDER-STOOD AS A CHILD, I THOUGHT AS A CHILD; BUT WHEN I BECAME A MAN I PUT AWAY CHILDISH THINGS.” This dear child of God brings us to where we are able to “GROW IN CHRIST” 2ND Peter 1 : 3 &4 verse 3 “AS HIS DIVINE POWER HAS GIVEN TO US ALL THINGS THAT PERTAIN TO LIFE AND GODLINESS, THROUGH THE KNOWLEDGE OF HIM WHO CALLED US BY GLORY AND VIRTUE. Verse 4 BY WHICH HAVE BEEN GIVEN TO US EXCEED-INGLY GREAT AND PRECIOUS PROMISES, THAT THROUGH THESE YOU MAY BE PARTAKERS OF THE DEVINE NATURE, HAVING ES-CAPED THE CORRUPTION THAT IS IN THE WORLD THROUGH LUST.” Furthermore this particular chapter con-tinues to reflect on Faith, Virtue, Knowledge, Self-control, Perseverance, Godliness, Brotherly kindness, Love. When all these principles are active with-in our lives, then the Christ like nature of Jesus will be evident within us. “THEREFORE, BRETHEREN, BE EVEN MORE DILIGENT TO MAKE YOUR CALLING AND ELECTION SURE, FOR IF YOU DO THESE THINGS YOU WILL NEVER STUM-BLE.” 2 Peter 1: 10

Shalom, Colin.