February 1, 2026
How do fledgling believers become strong Christ-like disciples able to survive the “rocky shallows” of the journey?
In order to survive the dangers of a superficially committed faith, believers must mature into strong Christ-like disciples who…
I. Under the surface, draw their nourishment and stability from their deep commitment to Christ in the rich soil of interdependent fellowship (redwoods): Having been rooted in him.
II. Over the surface, continually strive to be transformed into fully functioning, Christ-like, members of Christ’s community: Built up in him, (cf. 1 Cor 12:12-27).
III. Are drift-proof in their commitment to Christ: Established in the faith (cf. Eph. 4:14-16).
We start dying when we stop growing.
The greatest threat to a disciple’s maturity is not suffering or persecution, but the shallow complacency of a self-satisfied individualism that resists further growth because it assumes no growth is needed and no one else is needed.
What are you waiting for?
Go deeper and reach higher in your walk with Christ.
1. How deep are your roots with the Lord and his people? Are you someone who barely skims the surface of your spiritual life or are you growing deeper and stronger in Him?
2. Are you a fully functioning member of the body of Christ? Read 1 Cor. 12:12-27 again and ask the Lord to show you the steps you need to take to make sure you are fulfilling your God-given potential in the Body of Christ.
3. Is there anything in your life right now enticing you to drift away from the Lord? If so, this is a temptation the enemy wants you to take but it is also God’s opportunity to grow in maturity and draw closer to him (cf. Eph 4:14-16).
