Growing in perfection #Write31Days

Therefore, leaving the discussion of the elementary principles of Christ, let us go on to perfection, not laying again the foundation of repentance from dead works and of faith toward God, of the doctrine of baptisms, of laying on of hands, of resurrection of the dead, and of eternal judgment. And this we will do if God permits. Hebrews 6:1‭-‬3 NKJV

Perfection.  That’s a big word.  One I suppose I will continue growing towards until Christ returns.  I know I will never attain it this side of heaven.  Still I will continue towards it as long as God permit

A friend and I were talking recently about prayer.  I love corporate prayer with other believers.  There is something about a body of people praying together for a common purpose, or even just in a common location.  I suppose it means more to me because since my kids hit high school I really haven’t prayed with others on a regular basis outside of corporate prayer.  One thing that always get to me is when so much of the prayer time is spent on “elementary principles” for believers.  I am not saying my perspective is right but this scripture validates my frustration.

Repentance,  I confess my sin to God and when needed to others.  It is done during my private prayer time.  There is also a time for corporate repentance.  We have to move beyond asking for forgiveness and turning from our sin and our unfruitful works.  There is so much that needs to be done.  We have to move beyond our self and start crying out for forgiveness for the dying world around us.  Standing in the gap, that is what Christians who are growing towards perfection in the Lord do.  His Word promises.

He will even deliver one who is not innocent; Yes, he will be delivered by the purity of your hands.” Job 22:30 NKJV

We have to move beyond talking about our faith to putting it into action.  I am as guilty as the next at not putting my faith into action.  I have no problem praying the prayer, but I’m not always willing to pray it aloud for the one I am believing for. Yet, that is what believers who are growing towards perfection do.

For as the body without the spirit is dead, so faith without works is dead also. James 2:26NKJV

We have to move beyond seeking a fresh or new Holy Spirit baptism and start operating in the power of the Spirit within us.  Christian’s growing in perfection will operate in the power, not pray for what is already in them.

“Most assuredly, I say to you, he who believes in Me, the works that I do he will do also; and greater works than these he will do, because I go to My Father. John 14:12 NKJV

We need to stop talking about healing and instead exercise God’s healing power.  Healing may not always come this side of Heaven.  It definitely will not come if we are not praying for it.   Believers growing towards perfection will pray the prayers of faith, not back down from fear healing wouldn’t come.

And the prayer of faith will save the sick, and the Lord will raise him up. And if he has committed sins, he will be forgiven.  James 5:15NKJV

We need to stop judging sinners and instead start lifting up Christ.  One of the speakers at the Joyce Meyer’s 2009 Women’s Conference put it best:  “As Fishers of Men, we need to stop trying to clean the fish before we catch it.”  We are called to be a light to the world, not a judge of it.  As Christian’s growing towards perfection, we will draw people to Christ, not cast them away with our judgement.

And I, if I be lifted up from the earth, will draw all men unto me.  John 12:32 (KJV)

I won’t pretend I have it all together, I know I don’t.  Or pretend that I times I don’t frustrate myself with my prayers and actions.   I certainly do.  I just know that God wants more from His children.  He wants us to move beyond our self.  He wants is to move out of elementary principles and into the fullness that is available in Him.  He wants us to speak up, step up and step out as we grow in the perfection of our Lord Jesus Christ.

This blog is part of a #Write31Days series on growth.  31 Days is an online writing challenge, where bloggers pick one topic and write a post on that topic every day.