THURSDAY, SEPTEMBER 6
Scripture: 1 John 2:1-5

In 1 John 2:5, we find this principle, “But whoever keeps His word, truly the love of God is perfected in him. By this we know that we are in Him.” The pathway to maturity has already been covered by John in the second chapter, where he tells us the pathway to growth, development and maturity is simply choosing to do what God’s Word says. If we are willing to bring our actions into alignment with God’s Word, then we grow into maturity in love. The whole path of maturity is not mystical. It is not something that is terribly difficult, but is the simplicity of doing what we read in God’s Word. When we choose to, we can form our beliefs and actions to His biblical, moral standard – and then we are maturing in love. It is not complex. But even though it is simple, resistance does come often. Are we willing to do what the Word says? It takes a choice. A simple, but difficult, choice of submitting our will is where maturity is won or lost. And the battle continues throughout our walk with the Lord. Will we choose to pay the price to mature in love?