Bulletin Articles
September 27, 2026
Not There Yet
This desire to reach the end of an achievement stems from seeing others already there and wanting to be them. However, we often fail to recog
nize the progress they have made over the years to reach that point. For example, children raised in middle-class families, once they become independent, a
spire to attain what their parents have. They desire nice cars, a nice house, good jobs, and so on. Nonetheless, they do not
realize the considerable hard work their parents invested to achieve such goals.
This mindset can also influence our spiritual growth and development. I hear all the time that some people wish they knew more of the scriptures, knew more about God or
Jesus, and had more confidence in their beliefs and a stronger faith. But like worldly riches, these things are not gained overnight. It takes time, dedication, devotion,
and sacrifice to reach those goals.
In his letter to the Philippian church, the Apostle Paul said something sobering, given his spiritual maturity. He said that he has not yet obtained or arrived at the goal,
but that he continues to press forward so that he can take hold of Christ Jesus (Phil. 3:12). When we read the writings of Paul and the books of Acts about his life,
we would think he is far advanced in all things that relate to spiritual maturity. But even Paul said he has not yet arrived where he would like to be.
Growing in Christ is not about a finished line; rather, it is a pursuit for life. As many honorable things in life require time and effort, so does spiritual maturity.
It isn’t something we have right away. It takes years of dedication, study, and practice to grow in the virtues described in the Bible. And even then, those virtues are rarely mastered.
We must adopt the mindset Paul expressed, pressing forward to reach Christ and become like him. But how do we do that? We listen to his will by studying his word and
applying it to our lives. We will never find answers in our Christian growth if we set these things aside. So then let us be patient in this pursuit, but steady and devoted in
pressing forward to take hold of Christ.
Past Articles
No Complaining Allowed! 8/9/2026
Yielding to God's Work 8/2/2026
The Right Mind To Have 7/19/2026
Always Wanting It Our Way 7/12/2026
Boldness in Opposition 6/28/2026
Walking in a Worthy Manner 6/21/2026
Rejoicing in the Preaching of the Gospel 6/7/2026
Encouraging Boldness 5/31/2026
The Gospel In Unfavorable Circumstances 5/24/2026
Goodness From Knowledge 5/17/2026