Scripture: Galatians “4:1—”Now I say that the heir, as long as he is a child, differs not at all from a slave, although he is the owner of everything.”

As believers, we are promised rich blessings in Christ. The Word of God says that we are heirs of God and joint heirs with Christ (Romans 8:17). God keeps an inheritance for us, which includes peace, joy, power, and the riches of His Spirit. However, just as a child who is not yet mature enough to manage his father’s wealth, we must progress further before we can inherit all that God has promised.

In Galatians 4:1, the Apostle Paul draws a parallel between the believer’s walk and that of an heir who, even though he was to inherit everything, was dealt with as no different from a bondservant due to his immaturity. We must note this well: although we are already heirs, we must undergo a process of maturing so that we might receive our inheritance fully.

The Challenge of Growth:

Imagine a child who is about to inherit a huge fortune. Even though inheritance is guaranteed, the child’s age makes him/her unable to take care of the fortune properly. There is a high possibility that the fortune may be stolen, spent, or lost since the child lacks the maturity, wisdom, and experience needed to handle it as it should be. The fortune is certainly real; however, the child needs to grow up and learn how to take care of it.

This is also spiritually true for us. We are heirs of the Kingdom of God, but God knows that to inherit all the riches He has for us, we must grow up in our faith. Just as a little child is not yet ready to understand the full weight of riches, a spiritually immature Christian is not yet ready to understand the full portion of God’s promises.

In 1 Corinthians 13:11, Paul says, “When I was a child, I spake as a child, I understood as a child, I thought as a child: but when I became a man, I put away childish things.” Spiritual maturity is a process, but it is also of utmost importance. We need to add to our knowledge, develop our character, and increase our capacity to manage the blessings and duties of the Kingdom.

Growing in Christ:

God wants us to mature in our relationship with Him. Spiritual growth means becoming more loving, more wise, more self-controlled, and more faithful. 2 Peter 3:18 cautions us, “But grow in grace, and in the knowledge of our Lord and Savior Jesus Christ.” This maturing enables us to steward the blessings given to us better, to reflect His character more fully, and to operate in the power He has given us.

As a person matures, it is easier to manifest the characteristics of the Spirit. Galatians 5:22-23 enumerates the fruit of the Spirit as love, joy, peace, patience, kindness, goodness, faithfulness, gentleness, and self-control. They are marks of maturity in a believer, and they are the very qualities God would wish to see us develop within us.

Just as Samuel in the foregoing narrated story, we must not hurry the process of maturing. But the reassuring fact is that God walks with us every step along the way. He provides the Holy Spirit, who operates within us to cleanse and shape us in the image of Christ.

Reflection:

Consider, if you will, the following: Are you increasing in your faith? Are you progressing in your walk with the Lord? Do you possess the spiritual capacity to manage everything God has planned for you?

Ephesians 4:15  tells us to “grow up into him in all things, which is the head, even Christ.” Growth is something we do intentionally. We must pursue God daily, read His Word, pray, and let the Holy Spirit instruct and purify us.

Let us wholeheartedly submit ourselves to this process of growth, recognizing that it is for our benefit and also for God’s glory. As we grow, we position ourselves to receive the fullness of our inheritance and be faithful stewards of all that God has entrusted to us.

Prayer/Confession:

Lord, I thank you for making us inheritors of your kingdom. I am thankful for the promises and blessings that you have set aside for me.

I ask for guidance in our growing up and wisdom, so that I may receive everything You have for me. Make my faith stronger, make my knowledge deeper, and enable me to bear the fruit of the Spirit in my life. May I be operating in your power and authority, and may I grow up to the glory of your name? In Jesus’ name, Amen.