A Letter to the Growing Christian

This letter is as much for me as it is for you. As I studied the last chapter of 2nd Corinthians last night, it felt like I was reading the conclusion of a letter specially written for me. It's sweet how personal God's Word can feel. Perhaps, because it is. Here are all my lessons summarized for you in the creative form of a paraphrased letter...

Dear Child,

I want you to know that I see you. I see how hard you’re trying to take up your cross daily. I know the cost of your obedience to me. I am delighted in you.

There’s a small but weighty matter that I want to address: growth that leads to maturity. In previous times, I wrote to you about this; I told you to grow in my grace and in my knowledge. Yes, you have been redeemed; you are saved but you must grow! Your faith must be deeply rooted. It must spread. You have been fed, now you must go and feed others.

I leave you with a warning: beware of false teachers for there is an abundance of them all around you. You must feed your mind with my truth through diligent study of the Word. Commune with me through prayer. Love as I have loved. Fellowship with others who are faithfully committed to me under the stewardship of true servant-leaders whom I have given the authority to build up and not to tear down. This is the only way you can grow and avoid falsehood.

I am rooting for you child,

Your Savior, Redeemer and Friend,

Jesus.

Encouraged further reading: 2 Corinthians 13