A recent comment on one of my mini-video messages ached my heart. The video was about spiritual maturity and how it’s not measured by what we know, what we can quote, or how long we’ve been saved, but by how we become like Jesus, producing His fruit, glorifying Him in our lives to the point that when people see us, they meet Him.

 

Her comment was that she sees videos of people “getting it right” leaving her questioning what she’s doing wrong, so she reminds herself that she’s a baby Christian and it’s ok.

 

The sad part of her response was that this mindset comes from a place of self-condemnation when we compare our journey to someone else’s.

 

This is not the gentle correction of the Holy Spirit.

 

This way will always block our personal growth because we justify where we’re at through shame and condemnation rather than allow the gentle nudge of the Holy Spirit to convict us and call us higher.

 

This cycle keeps us stagnant in our spiritual growth and blocks the Holy Spirit from working in and through us.

 

From there, we live with inner guilt and shame, always feeling like we will never get it right, so we are left to justify the flesh instead of learning to crucify it.

 

This is not God’s heart for His children.

 

We are all on very personal journeys with Jesus.

 

When we’re looking to Him, the Holy Spirit in us reveals where we’re off track, where we need to grow in Christlikeness, and then empowers us to do so.

 

I’ve experienced my fair share of setbacks, misses, and needs for a do-over. I’m so thankful for God’s mercy and unconditional love that champions me to keep going as I learn to yield to the Holy Spirit, allowing Him to produce His fruit in my life.

 

I wanted to share some thoughts that I’ve used in my own personal journey that have kept me away from self-condemnation and on a path of continual breakthroughs and spiritual growth.

 

1. My eyes are not on where someone else is. Comparison is out of the equation. I’m not on a journey with others. I’m on a journey with Jesus. He is the author and finisher of my faith. I’m not following in anyone else’s footsteps but His. This way frees me from shame when I miss the mark and I run directly to Him for His help. I know my Jesus. He loves me. He died for me. He’s not condemning me for missing it. He gently picks me up and says, “Come on precious daughter. I’m with you. Keep going.”
2. I’m not looking to where someone else is, I’m looking to where I was and measuring my spiritual growth. Am I producing His fruit when life squeezes me? If something ugly oozes out or I have to shove down a negative response that doesn’t honor God? That reveals the area that needs more Jesus. The Bible shows us the importance of looking at ourselves intently. I don’t fear where I may discover imperfections and failures, His perfect love casts out all fear. Taking an honest evaluation of myself is from a place of freedom and desire to grow and glorify God in every area of my life. This mindset enables me to look deeply at where I’m truly at so I know the corrections and crucifying that need to take place so I can become more like my Father in Heaven.

 

I’m telling you, this way is freedom.

 

Freedom from our old nature, putting off what was so we can put on Christ!

 

I’m encouraging you today to spend less time beating yourself up, comparing, justifying, and covering up the areas that need changing. Instead, fix your eyes on the One who loves you deeply and paid for you to live as a new creation in Him.

 

 

Search me, O God, and know my heart; test me and know my anxious thoughts. Point out anything in me that offends You, and lead me along the path of everlasting life. -Psalm 139:23-24