When I was a child, I couldn’t wait to grow up. That was my goal. My belief, not unlike so many children, was to grow up so that I could do whatever I wanted to do whenever I wanted to do it. There would be no strings on me!
Of course, as an adult, I now realize that it’s more complicated than growing up so that I can do whatever I want to do. Growing up brings certain responsibilities with it. Yes. I can do whatever I want to do. However, doing whatever I want to do bring consequences. I can decide to ignore my budget and splurge on a new spring wardrobe. The consequence could be unpaid bills or a hit to my emergency fund. As a result, even though I can do whatever I want to do, it’s more prudent to use wisdom and purchase one item instead of an entire wardrobe.
I’m reminded of my walk with Jesus Christ. When my walk began, I was a babe. Now, I am still a babe in Christ Jesus because the more I learn about Him, I realize the more there is to learn.
The more I learn about Jesus, the more I’ve come to trust Him. It reminds me of potato chips. The more I consume, the more I want. The added blessing is that Jesus is calorie-free and there are no ill side-effects. I’ve learned the importance of putting Jesus first in my life in all things. If I put Him first, He will give me the desires of my heart. I know because He told me so in His Word and He cannot lie. (Matthew 6:33; Numbers 23:19) Putting God first is a clear indicator of maturity.
My prayer is that I will continue to grow in Christ Jesus. Just as the song says, “…to know him is to love him.” I leave you with this poem. Be blessed.
Temporal Things, Eternal Treasures©
When I was small, I had big dreams of owning many things.
A brand new car, a brand new house, new clothes and golden rings.
I knew when I acquired these things, I would be a success.
I’d entertain for all my “friends” to share my happiness.
I planned it all, achieved it all, when much to my surprise,
My dreams began to crumble right before my very eyes.
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I lost the car. I lost the house. I managed to keep the rings.
But, how was I to survive without all of my things?
And, then I heard a voice within say, “Child, I am the Way.
All the riches in Glory will be yours if you follow Me today.
The things you lost had become your god. You were serving them, not Me.
The wages of sin is death, My child. Follow Me to Eternity.
I am the Way, the Truth and the Life. Heaven cannot be gained but by Me.
Material things are not important, My child. Follow Me to Eternity.”
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Today, I follow Jesus. I grow closer to Him every day.
He instructs me on each step I take. He’s leading me all the way.
He strengthens me. He encourages me. I now have the victory.
And I will follow Him all of my days from here to Eternity.
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II Corinthians 4:18b – “…the things which are seen are temporal; but the things which are not seen are eternal.”
Yours In Christ,
Lorraine M. Castle
Rev. Cynthia Jackson is the administrator of the Rhema4U Blog and Innovations Ministries Director. Rev. Jackson is a native of Philadelphia, Pennsylvania. She was licensed and ordained under the tutelage of Bishop David G. Evans. She is an associate minister at Bethany Baptist Church located in Lindenwold, New Jersey. Rev. Jackson founded Innovations Ministries in 2001. Innovations Ministries provides dynamic and innovative programs and services for individuals and families dealing with various health-related issues. She is a gifted teacher, preacher, conference speaker and writer. God has anointed Rev. Jackson to be a spiritual midwife with a passion to empower others to birth God's vision for their lives. Rev. Jackson holds a Bachelor of Arts Degree in Organizational Management from Eastern University, a Master of Science Degree in Health Administration from Saint Joseph's University and a Master of Science Degree in Christian Counseling from Cairn University.
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