May 22

Christ

"To be mature is to be basic! Christ! No more no less."  

Colossians 1:23 (The Message)

The longer we are Christians, the more we understand the simplicity of the gospel. It is not complicated, it is not intricate, it is not difficult to understand. It is as Paul says here, "Christ! No more, no less." Christ is the only character in the Gospel that matters! Christ is the one who came to a dying world and reached out to the hurting with love and care. Christ is the one who denied himself and took up a cross and died for you and me. Christ is the one who cleansed us of our sins. Christ is the one who cut our chains and freed us from that bondage that held all mankind prisoner for so long. Christ is the one who was raised from the dead, that we might have new life. Christ is the one who lives in us and walks with us and changes us from the inside out. It is so simple, it is basic; but it is the ultimate truth. "Christ! No more, no less.

Father, make me mature. Help me to grow up in Christ. I know there is no other way for me to find pleasure in Your sight than to become like my savior and that is the desire of my heart. Nothing else will do. Teach me to be like Jesus in all I do and say. Give me the spiritual maturity that can only come through Christ. I know that this will mean suffering, but sustain me in those experiences and help me to grow and learn that I might bring You glory and honor with my life. Amen