The Relational Church

Ephesians 5:1-20

We can plan all we want, but until we are in the right condition to hike a trail no set of maps will ever really help us.  God wants to lead us on a hike through life that not only will we endure but also we will finish strongly for all He has us to do in this lifetime.

The four compass points of maturity are: spiritual, emotional, physical, and intellectual.  The Bible points to all four of these aspects as needing to be exercised in ways that will serve Him to the utmost.

Spiritual

Prayer, Studying and Meditating on the Bible, Worshipping, Fasting, Loving God and Others, and Remaining Steadfast in our Faithful Service

Emotional

Forgiving Others, Not Living in Anger, Humbleness, A Person of Peace, Being Joyful, Giving Our Burdens to God, Repentance, Thankfulness, Not Gossiping, Patience, Not Being Anxious, Learning to Be Content in All Things

Intellectual

Seeking God’s Wisdom, Recognizing God’s Truth, Being Spirit Led, Thinking On the Lord, Learning Unselfish Love, Studying the Bible, Striving to Mature, Knowing w/o Ego Issues, Keeping Our Desires Right

Physical

Our Bodies Are God’s Temples, Healthy Diet, Exercise, Not Smoking, Getting Health, Eye and Dental Exams, Keeping From Gluttony, Avoid Excess Alcohol, No Sexual Sin, Get Enough Sleep, Make Time for Rest and Relaxation Periods.

- Michael Zerkich

Image by FreeWine (flickr)