It's A Process

‭Ephesians 4:14-16 NIV‬

[14] Then we will no longer be infants, tossed back and forth by the waves, and blown here and there by every wind of teaching and by the cunning and craftiness of people in their deceitful scheming. [15] Instead, speaking the truth in love, we will grow to become in every respect the mature body of him who is the head, that is, Christ. [16] From him the whole body, joined and held together by every supporting ligament, grows and builds itself up in love, as each part does its work.

What is your part? Each of us has a purpose in life that God wants us to fulfill. But what is your purpose? In general, it has something to do with you representing, reflecting, and revealing who God is in your life. More specifically, it's becoming the kind of person that God wants you to be so that He can entrust you with His power to do those things that He wants you to do. In other words, it's a process that God initiates, fulfills, and accomplishes in and through you by the power of the Holy Spirit from beginning to end as you put your trust in Jesus Christ, His only begotten Son, and follow Him daily together with others.

It all starts with trusting in Jesus for your life. Unless and until you do that, the process cannot begin. You need to surrender to Him eventually. To do that, you need to know Him and believe in Him as your Savior and Lord. That may take some time, depending on how open you are to receive His revelation in your heart through the Scriptures. Start listening and be open to what He will help you to understand from His word. Don't worry about it. He can and He will guide you along the way. It's your attitude of humility that would determine whether you will see and understand the truth. But take your time and don't worry about the process. Just be honest with your questions and talk with a spiritual friend who can listen and help you process them.

When the time comes, you can formally declare your faith in Jesus through water baptism. You will receive the gift of the Holy Spirit and He will add you among His people. Join a community of faith where you can grow together with others. Study the Scriptures together with spiritual friends or companions who are willing to journey with you. Learn to practice godly habits that can help you listen to Jesus daily. Share with others your spiritual experiences so that together with them you can co-discern God's will for your life and obey it. There may be ups and downs along the way, but trust God. This is all part of your spiritual transformation. He is more interested in who you are becoming than in what you can do for Him. Your character will be formed through various means of grace. This includes suffering and trials in your life.

Over time, you will discover your special abilities called spiritual gifts. People will acknowledge them and the positive results of what you do will become apparent to everyone. Let your interests and desires guide you. But keep your heart centered in Jesus always. Don't neglect your relationship with the Lord. The ministry should not be a substitute to your walk with Christ. Abide in Him and continue to become like Him, together with others. Don't be so engrossed with tasks or ministry activities that you neglect your soul. Even Christian fellowship or friendships can become a temptation. So watch yourself, and keep your heart centered in Christ first and foremost. In time, who you are and the needs that God wants you to meet in the world will converge. Be faithful and step into that role as the Spirit leads you. Be patient with the process. There is a time for everything. God will make everything beautiful in its time. Remember, real ministry will always be relational and spiritual. It's not about tasks. It's about loving Jesus and loving others in His name.