Character and Discipline · Identity in Christ · Spiritual Maturity · Christian Life · Discipleship

What stature should a child of God attain?

6 min read, approximately

“What credit is there if you endure being struck for sinning? But if you suffer for doing good and endure it, this is indeed approved before God. For you were called to this, because Christ also suffered for us, leaving us an example so that you might follow in his footsteps. He committed no sin, and no deceit was found in his mouth. When insulted, he did not answer with insults; when suffering, he did not threaten, but entrusted his cause to the one who judges justly. He himself bore our sins in his body on the tree, so that, having died to sins, we might live for righteousness; by his wound you were healed.” (1 Peter 2:20-24)

We have all had a role model… Someone we wanted to imitate, resemble, or do what they did—in short, to attain their stature.
A writer, a hero from history, a patriot, an artist, a friend, someone in the family? Dad? Mom?
We take the good things from them. Yet all of them have or had things we do not wish to imitate or want in our own lives…

So, is there anyone?

The good news is that there is someone worthy of imitation, without blemish or defilement:

“Knowing that you were rescued from the empty way of life inherited from your fathers, not with perishable things such as gold or silver, but with the precious blood of Christ, like that of a lamb without blemish or defilement.” (1 Peter 1:18-19)

“He committed no sin, and no deceit was found in his mouth.” (1 Peter 2:22)

“His burial was arranged with the wicked, but in his death he was with the rich, although he had never done evil, nor was there deceit in his mouth.” (Isaiah 53:9)

This is Jesus! We have our example in Jesus! He longs for us to follow and imitate him:

“Until we all reach unity in faith and in the knowledge of the Son of God, becoming mature, attaining the measure of the stature of Christ’s fullness, so that we may no longer be wavering children, carried about by every wind of doctrine, by the schemes of people who cunningly use deceitful tricks to mislead.” (Ephesians 4:13-14)

But how can we attain this stature?

“Whoever says they remain in him must walk as he walked.” (1 John 2:6)

Let us see how, according to God’s Word:

\1. By being gentle and humble

Beware of arrogance, haughtiness, pride, and domineering attitudes…

“Take my yoke upon you and learn from me, for I am gentle and humble in heart, and you will find rest for your souls, because my yoke is easy and my burden is light.” (Matthew 11:29-30)

Let us remember that

“Blessed are the gentle, for they will inherit the earth.” (Matthew 5:5)

“For the LORD is exalted and cares for the humble, but he looks upon the proud from afar.” (Psalms 138:6)

\2. By being obedient

“During his days in the flesh, he offered prayers and pleas with loud cries and tears to the one who could deliver him from death, and he was heard because of his reverent fear. Although he was the Son, he learned obedience through what he suffered. Having been made perfect, he became the source of eternal salvation for all who obey him, appointed by God as high priest according to the order of Melchizedek.” (Hebrews 5:7-10)

\3. By praying

“Watch and pray so that you do not enter into temptation; the spirit is indeed willing, but the flesh is weak.” (Matthew 26:41)

\4. By loving the Lord… and also our neighbor

Even those who harm us

“I give you a new commandment: Love one another. Just as I have loved you, you too should love one another. By this everyone will know that you are my disciples, if you have love for one another.” (John 13:34-35)

“The second is like it: You shall love your neighbor as yourself.” (Matthew 22:39)

\5. By forgiving

Have we been hurt? Offended? Mistreated or robbed?

“As God’s chosen ones, holy and beloved, clothe yourselves with heartfelt mercy, kindness, humility, gentleness, and patience. Bear with one another and forgive one another if anyone has a complaint against another; just as Christ forgave you, you also must do so. Above all these things, put on love, which is the bond of perfection. Let God’s peace rule in your hearts, to which you were also called in one body, and be thankful.” (Colossians 3:12-15)

“For if you forgive people their offenses, your heavenly Father will also forgive you. But if you do not forgive people their offenses, neither will your Father forgive your offenses.” (Matthew 6:14-15)

\6. By walking in holiness

Giving no place to sin

“Be imitators of God, then, as beloved children. Walk in love, as Christ also loved us and gave himself for us, an offering and sacrifice to God with a fragrant aroma. But sexual immorality, any impurity, or greed must not even be mentioned among you, as is fitting for saints; nor should there be obscene words, foolish talk, or crude jokes, which are out of place, but rather thanksgiving. For you know that no sexually immoral, impure, or greedy person—who is an idolater—has an inheritance in the kingdom of Christ and God.” (Ephesians 5:1-5)

“Pursue peace with everyone, and holiness, without which no one will see the Lord.” (Hebrews 12:14)

\7. By being willing to serve

“Jesus called them to him and said: You know that the rulers of the nations lord it over them, and their great ones exercise authority over them. But it shall not be so among you. Whoever wants to become great among you must be your servant, and whoever wants to be first among you must be your slave, just as the Son of Man did not come to be served, but to serve and give his life as a ransom for many.” (Matthew 20:25-28)

How far along are we?

Let us remember that

“…Christ suffered for us, leaving us an example so that you might follow in his footsteps.” (1 Peter 2:21b)

“For I have given you an example, that ye also should do as I have done to you.” (John 13:15)

“Until we all reach unity in faith and in the knowledge of the Son of God, becoming mature, attaining the measure of the stature of Christ’s fullness.” (Ephesians 4:13)

As children of God… is there a measure or stature we should attain?

May God continue to bless you
and may you keep enjoying an excellent day in Christ Jesus!
I invite you to stop by the Songbook