“What is the standard for me?” I wrote this question in the margin of my bible when I read Ephesians 4:13 that says, his will continue until we all come to such unity in our faith and knowledge of God’s Son that we will be mature in the Lord, measuring up to the full and complete standard of Christ. I wrote this question not realizing that the same verse told me what the standard is for my life. The standard is Christ. At the time when I read this I didn’t fully understand the standard of maturity is Christ himself.

I have since realized that the Spirit’s transforming work is to make people fully like Christ. Romans 8:29 says, For God knew his people in advance, and he chose them to become like his Son, so that his Son would be the first born among many brothers and sisters. The transforming work of the Spirit is a part of the gift of salvation. Meaning when I decided to choose Christ as my Lord and Savior, He gave me his Spirit that is transforming me. So I began to question, what are some examples of what it means to meet the standard of being like Christ? What is the goal of the Spirit’s transforming work?

Below is what I have taken from scripture (please add to this list what you have learned):

1. We are to be mature Christians with a well-grounded knowledge of the Good News and of Christ himself.
2. Able to discern and resist false teachings.
3. Love is the most important factor in Christian growth.
4. Live a life different from unbelievers.
5. Christians are to be hard working people who have integrity and care for others.
6. Believers should have a new pattern of speech to be an encouragement to others.
7. Forgiving others as a natural response to experiencing Gods’ forgiving grace.

Questions:

Are you aware of the standards of being a Christian?

What area of your life do you need to surrender to the transforming work of the Spirit?