Time to Graduate
When you think about the word “graduation” and the fullness of the word, can we say it speaks to a transition, something ending & something new beginning? The new can either be in part, phase, or something entirely different. What I’m trying to say is……, Umm, we wouldn’t expect to see the transition of the graduate looking like this. So, just as in our natural physical life, we expect a forward transition and not one in reverse. Likewise, we should expect our spiritual life to be a forward development, a maturation.
Apostle Paul believes we should not remain babies in our spiritual life as well:
“Dear brothers, I have been talking to you as though you were still just babies in the Christian life who are not following the Lord but your own desires; I cannot talk to you as I would to healthy Christians who are filled with the Spirit. I have had to feed you with milk and not with solid food because you couldn’t digest anything stronger. And even now you still have to be fed on milk. For you are still only baby Christians, controlled by your own desires, not God’s” – 1 Corinthians 3:1-3a (TLB).
Elsewhere, he even outlines a plan by which we can all mature in the things of God, he gives a roadmap for any and everyone who would want to graduate with straight A’s in “Christ University”. Here’s the plan:
“Since, then, you have been raised with Christ, set your hearts [A-ffection] on things above, where Christ is, seated at the right hand of God. Set your minds [A-ttitude] on things above, not on earthly things. For you died, and your life is now hidden with Christ in God. When Christ, who is your life, appears, then you also will appear with him in glory. Put to death… And whatever you do [A-ctions], whether in word or deed, do it all in the name of the Lord Jesus, giving thanks to God the Father through him” – Colossians 3:1-17 (NIV).
See, straight A’s! If you do these A’s you are guaranteed to not only graduate, but you’ll receive all the rewards (it’s better than all the Cum Laude). Now, it’s up to you, will there be tears of joy or tears of sadness at your scheduled graduation ceremony?
