Growing Up in Christ

A couple of months ago, I had the chance to share my testimony. Putting that talk together reminded me of something important: the experiences of my life have shaped who I am today. In other words, I am not the same guy I once was.

That shouldn’t surprise anyone—change is inevitable in life. As long as we’re breathing, we’re changing. The real question is, what kind of change is happening? For followers of Jesus, the goal isn’t just to grow older but to grow deeper. Our calling is maturity—to become more and more conformed to the image of Christ.

The Apostle Paul put it this way:

“And we all, who with unveiled faces contemplate the Lord’s glory, are being transformed into his image with ever-increasing glory, which comes from the Lord, who is the Spirit.”

—2 Corinthians 3:18 (NIV)

Lessons from Immaturity

When I look back on my younger years, I see a long list of foolish decisions and immature perspectives. In high school history class, I once wrote an answer to an essay question on a test that praised Hitler’s economic policies—something that horrifies me today. In another paper, I compared President Theodore Roosevelt to Larry Bird, calling him “the Larry Bird of presidents.” Now, I consider him to be one of the worst. I am thankful for my teacher Mr. Vige, who not only required these writing assignments (that helped develop my love of writing) and was gracious enough to read my immature thoughts.

Then there’s the time I got caught stealing political signs as a freshman. That sort of behavior might be dismissed as teenage stupidity, but imagine if a 52-year-old pastor like me tried the same thing today—it would be career-ending!

Looking back, I can see how those experiences weren’t just embarrassing memories; they were opportunities for growth. Foolishness gave way to wisdom. Immaturity matured into intentional living. Bit by bit, my life was being shaped.

The Role of Intentionality

Here’s the truth: maturity doesn’t just “happen.” We don’t stumble into Christlikeness by accident. Growth requires intentionality.

Over the years, I’ve wrestled with what it means to actually live out what I say I believe. That process has reshaped my political views, refined my convictions on things like women in leadership, and—most importantly—forced me to ask hard questions about how I follow Jesus day to day.

It’s been a continual process of aligning my life with the gospel. I am not the man I was ten years ago—or even last year. And that’s a good thing.

Extending Grace

Here’s where this lands: if change and growth are part of the journey, then we need to give grace—to others and to ourselves.

We need to extend grace to the younger generation, remembering that they are still learning. Yes, they’ll say and do foolish things, but so did we. We also need to extend grace to our past selves, realizing that immaturity doesn’t mean we were evil or hopeless—it just means we were still growing.

The challenge isn’t whether or not you will change. Change is guaranteed. The question is: Are you becoming more like Jesus?

So, keep leaning in. Keep learning. Keep being intentional. And trust that the Spirit who began a good work in you will carry it on to completion (Philippians 1:6).

Paul’s Ponderings is a blog dedicated to reflecting on Scripture and encouraging believers to live out their faith with love and purpose.

A Message to Proclaim: The First Step In Sharing the Message

Text: 2 Thessalonians 3:1–5

Jesus commissioned His followers to go into all the world and make disciples. That mission begins when people hear and trust the Good News that Jesus is the King of the universe—the One who will make all things right.

But how does evangelism happen? How do ordinary people like us proclaim such a world-changing message?

Near Chattanooga, Tennessee, Lookout Mountain rises 2,000 feet above sea level, offering stunning views of the valleys and rivers below. But what lies beneath the mountain is even more impressive. Hidden 1,120 feet underground is Ruby Falls—the tallest and deepest underground waterfall in the United States. Since 1929, millions of visitors have taken the glass elevator down into the caves, exploring the beauty that cannot be seen from the surface.

I think evangelism is a lot like that. What we notice most are the things above ground—the visible fruit: people hearing the Gospel, repenting, being baptized, and finding new life in Christ. But beneath the surface there is something just as crucial, though often unseen. It happens early in the morning and late at night. It happens around kitchen tables and in quiet prayer closets. It happens in small groups and in solitude. The hidden but essential foundation of evangelism is prayer.

As Professor Lionel Windsor has written:

“Prayer must undergird and accompany everything in our Christian lives, especially as we speak the message of the gospel to others. That’s why, when it comes to evangelism, prayer—not our own plans or wisdom or activity—must always be the first item on the agenda.”

Paul’s Call for Prayer

In 2 Thessalonians 3:1–5, Paul shows us just how central prayer is to evangelism. Writing to a young church facing persecution and confusion about the “day of the Lord,” Paul asks them to pray:

“Finally, brothers, pray for us, that the word of the Lord may speed ahead and be honored, as happened among you, and that we may be delivered from wicked and evil men. For not all have faith. But the Lord is faithful. He will establish you and guard you against the evil one. And we have confidence in the Lord about you, that you are doing and will do the things that we command. May the Lord direct your hearts to the love of God and to the steadfastness of Christ.” (2 Thessalonians 3:1–5)

Here we see three key lessons about prayer and evangelism.

1. The Acknowledgement of Need (vv. 1–2)

Paul doesn’t pretend that his mission is easy. He knows the challenges: persecution, spiritual opposition, cultural hostility, even the dangers of travel. And so he asks for prayer—that the Gospel would “speed ahead” and be honored, and that he would be delivered from wicked people.

Notice what this implies: evangelism is not a solo project. Paul, the great missionary apostle, admits he cannot do this on his own. He needs the church—not just to send him, but to stand with him in prayer. Evangelism is a team effort, rooted not in our cleverness or charisma, but in joining God in the work He is already doing.

This is why we pray. Without prayer, our efforts will fall flat. With prayer, we tap into the power of the One who opens hearts and transforms lives.

2. The Reassurance of God’s Faithfulness (vv. 3–4)

Paul contrasts the faithlessness of people with the faithfulness of God. Not everyone will believe the Gospel—some will even oppose it. But God will not fail His people. He will strengthen, protect, and guide them.

That same reassurance is for us. We don’t evangelize in our own strength. We don’t have to shoulder the entire burden of results. God is faithful. He has been faithful to His promises, faithful to His people, faithful to His mission. And He will be faithful to us.

No matter how discouraging or overwhelming the world feels, we can be confident that the Lord of the harvest is still at work. That confidence frees us to pray with expectation and to act with courage.

3. The Prayer for Faithfulness (v. 5)

Paul closes this section by praying for the Thessalonians themselves: that their hearts would be directed toward God’s love and Christ’s endurance.

This is a reminder that evangelism isn’t just about the words we speak. It’s also about the lives we live. When our character reflects God’s love and our perseverance mirrors Christ’s endurance, our message has credibility. People need to see the Gospel embodied in us if they are going to believe it.

So Paul prays for their faithfulness. And we should pray for ours too—that our daily lives would back up the message we proclaim.

The First Step

Prayer is the first step of evangelism.

It is not passive. It is not secondary. It is the crucial, hidden work that undergirds everything else. Before we speak, before we act, before we go—we pray.

You can start the work of evangelism today without leaving your home. Pray for your neighbors. Pray for your coworkers. Pray for your church. Pray for me. Just as Paul asked the Thessalonians to pray for him, I ask for your prayers as I seek to proclaim the Gospel.

Evangelism is the first step in disciple-making. And the first step in evangelism is prayer.

So let’s get started—on our knees.

Paul’s Ponderings is a blog dedicated to reflecting on Scripture and encouraging believers to live out their faith with love and purpose.

Living in Light, Love, and Truth: Living as God’s Children

Text: 1 John 2:28–3:10

Have you noticed how much harder it’s become to feel truly connected?

In her book Adam and Eve After the Pill, Revisited, Mary Eberstadt describes how the breakdown of family life has changed our world. Children today are far less likely to grow up surrounded by siblings, cousins, aunts, or uncles. Nearly 30 percent of all households now consist of just one person, and around 40 percent of children grow up without their biological father in the home. The result, she says, is heartbreaking.

When family ties weaken, people grow isolated. They lose the sense of belonging that once came from being part of a web of relationships. There are fewer role models, fewer people to share life’s joys or griefs with, fewer opportunities to learn love, forgiveness, and commitment. And the consequences ripple outward—loneliness, anger, anxiety, and brokenness.

Eberstadt observes, “A world of fewer and weaker family ties is one in which deprived people are furious about things they do not have or no longer know.” In other words, when we lose connection to family, we lose part of what makes us whole.

That insight echoes what John teaches in 1 John 2:28–3:10. When we abide in Jesus—stay connected to Him—our lives begin to reflect His likeness. But when we drift away, our lives begin to resemble the world instead of the family of God.

The Wonder of God’s Love

John begins with amazement:

“See what great love the Father has lavished on us, that we should be called children of God! And that is what we are.” (1 John 3:1)

That’s not something we earned—it’s something we’ve been given. The world doesn’t understand this identity because it doesn’t know Him. But we do, and that changes everything. We are no longer defined by our past, our failures, or the labels the world puts on us. We are defined by the love of our Father.

And that love gives us hope. John says that when Christ appears, “we shall be like Him.” That future hope shapes our present life: those who belong to Jesus seek to live like Jesus.

Don’t let the world define who you are. When doubt or temptation whisper, remind yourself: I am a child of God. Then arrange your life to live like it—with hope and holiness.

Rejecting Sin and Reflecting the Father

John moves from identity to behavior:

“No one who lives in Him keeps on sinning.” (1 John 3:6)

He’s not saying we’ll never sin; he’s saying that those who remain in Christ don’t make peace with it. They don’t justify it or ignore it. They confess it, and through Jesus, they find forgiveness and freedom.

The difference isn’t perfection—it’s direction. True children of God are moving toward holiness, not away from it.

John makes this point clear: “The one who does what is right is righteous, just as He is righteous.” (3:7) The family resemblance is seen in our conduct. If God’s seed—His Spirit—lives in us, then His righteousness will take root and grow.

The Holy Spirit doesn’t just change our beliefs—He changes our behavior.

The Family Trait of Love

Finally, John gives the clearest mark of identity:

“Anyone who does not do what is right is not God’s child, nor is anyone who does not love their brother or sister.” (3:10)

Love is the defining trait of God’s family. It’s how the world knows who we belong to (John 13:35). We can’t claim to be children of the God who is love and live in hatred, apathy, or division.

To live as God’s child is to reflect His love in tangible ways—especially toward His other children. Love isn’t optional; it’s essential.

Living Like Who You Are

So how do we live this out?

1. Remember who you are. When you’re tempted or discouraged, remind yourself: I am a child of God. Your confidence doesn’t come from performance but from your position in Christ.
2. Purify your life through hope. Those who hope in Jesus don’t drift—they draw closer. Let the reality of His return shape your choices today.
3. Let righteousness rule your actions. Right living isn’t legalism—it’s loyalty. Every act of obedience shows your allegiance to your Father.
4. Love your brothers and sisters well. Don’t just attend church—belong to the family. Forgive quickly, serve freely, and love deeply.

Becoming Like the Father

John moves from discernment to identity, from standing against deception to living faithfully as God’s children. We have confidence at Christ’s coming when we abide in Him, reflect His righteousness, reject sin’s power, and reveal His love.

When we remain with Jesus, we don’t just stand firm—we grow strong. We begin to look like our Father, love like our Savior, and live by the Spirit’s power. And one day, when Christ appears, we’ll stand before Him confident, radiant, and finally home in the family of God.

Paul’s Ponderings is a blog dedicated to reflecting on Scripture and encouraging believers to live out their faith with love and purpose.

Our God – The Giver of All Good Things

Have you ever stopped to think about where the good things in your life come from? Those laughs you share with a friend, the delicious taste of a home cooked meal, the beauty of a sunrise over a lake—James reminds us in his letter that these aren’t random strokes of luck. They are gifts from a generous God.

In James 1:17–19 we read:

“Every good and perfect gift is from above, coming down from the Father of lights, who does not change like shifting shadows. By his own choice, he gave us birth by the word of truth so that we would be a kind of firstfruits of his creatures. My dear brothers and sisters, understand this: Everyone should be quick to listen, slow to speak, and slow to anger.” (CSB)

This passage is short, but it provides a wonderful image of who God is: our Giving God, our Great God, and our Gracious God. Let’s reflect on each of these truths.

Our Giving God

James begins with the reminder that every good and perfect gift comes from above. Take a moment and ponder this: the blessings in your life, large and small, all flow from the hand of God. The food on your table, the people you love, the very breath in your lungs—all gifts from your Heavenly Father.

James wrote to believers who were facing hardship and persecution. It would have been easy for them to lose sight of God’s generosity and goodness in the middle of suffering. Yet James insists that God’s giving nature doesn’t depend on circumstances. Whether life feels like a mountaintop or a valley, God is still giving.

That’s a good reminder for us, too. Gratitude grounds us in God’s goodness, and trusting in His generosity frees us from the grip of worry. Take a moment this week to pause, write down five specific blessings you’ve received, and thank God for them.

Our Great God

James goes on to describe God as the Father of lights, the Creator of the sun, moon, and stars. But unlike the shifting patterns of the heavens, God does not change. “There is no variation or shadow of turning with Him.”

We live in a world where almost everything changes—jobs, health, relationships, even the seasons of life. But God’s character doesn’t waver. His promises don’t expire. His love doesn’t fade.

Think about a lighthouse standing firm on a rocky coast. Winds howl, waves crash, storms rage, but the light remains steady. That’s who God is—our steady light when everything else is uncertain.

The invitation here is to anchor ourselves in that unchanging greatness. When fear and doubt creep in, we can remind ourselves: God is faithful yesterday, today, and forever.

Our Gracious God

Finally, James points us to the greatest gift: new life in King Jesus. James says God “gave us birth by the word of truth so that we would be a kind of firstfruits of his creatures.”

Salvation is not something we earn—it’s a gift of grace. God chose us, adopted us into His family, and gave us a new identity in Christ. Think of a child welcomed into a loving family by adoption—not because they earned it, but because they were chosen and loved. That’s what God has done for us.

And this grace reshapes how we live. James follows up with a practical word: “Be quick to listen, slow to speak, and slow to anger.” In other words, let God’s grace show through in your relationships.

Living as Firstfruits

So, who is our God?

• Our Giving God—pouring out blessings in every season.

• Our Great God—unchanging, faithful, and steady.

• Our Gracious God—bringing us new life through His Son.

The call for us is simple but profound: gratitude, trust, and grace-filled living. Take time this week to reflect on God’s gifts. This discipline will anchor your hope in God’s unchanging nature, and, over time, His grace will transform your heart changing the way you treat others.

Because every good and perfect gift really does come from above.

A Reminder for Me

As I ponder these verses, I realize how easy it is for me to take God’s gifts for granted. I rush through my days, often more focused on what I lack than on what I’ve been given. But when I pause, I see God at work—in the love of Jenny, in the smile and laughs of my kids, in the steady truth of Scripture, in the quiet assurance that He hasn’t changed even when everything else has. 

My prayer is that I don’t just recognize His generosity, greatness, and grace, but that I live out of His blessings with gratitude and trust, for He is the Good Shepherd and in Him I find my refuge.

Paul’s Ponderings is a blog dedicated to reflecting on Scripture and encouraging believers to live out their faith with love and purpose.