One Standard—Christ

“So then let us once for all quit the elementary teaching about Christ and continue progressing toward maturity” (Hebrews 6:1, WMS).

Many believers are burdened by the notion that their growth in Christ is solely their responsibility—that maturity depends on their effort, discipline, and dedication. But Scripture reveals a different reality: the standard for the Christian life is not merely improvement but Christ Himself. Maturity is not measured by how much we do, but by how fully He is manifested in and through us.

God's purpose is not to refine our human abilities for His use; He is not interested in improving the self-life. Instead, He is forming His Son within us. This is not achieved through striving, but through yielding. “For it is God who is working in you both to will and to do of His good pleasure” (Philippians 2:13). It is His work, from beginning to end.

The challenge many face is that they have been taught a partial gospel—one that secures salvation but leaves sanctification in their hands. They are exhorted to try harder—pray more, study more, surrender more. While these disciplines are valuable, they cannot produce Christ-likeness. Only the Holy Spirit, dwelling within, can bring about true transformation. We do not shape ourselves into the image of Christ; we are His workmanship, created in Christ Jesus(Ephesians 2:10).

Imagine a skilled glassblower working with molten glass. The glass does not mold itself; it simply remains pliable in the craftsman’s hands. As long as it is yielded, the artist shapes it into a vessel of beauty. Likewise, when we rest in our Father’s hands, the life of Christ is formed in us—not through self-effort, but through His indwelling work.

Reflection Questions:

• Have you been measuring your growth by your own efforts, or by Christ’s work in you?

• What does it mean to truly rest in God’s hands and trust His process?

• How can you shift from striving to yielding in your daily walk?

Prayer of Confidence:

Father, I thank You that my growth in Christ is Your work, not mine. You have placed Your Spirit within me to bring forth the likeness of Jesus, and I trust You to accomplish what You have begun. I rest in Your hands, knowing that You are shaping me according to Your good pleasure. Christ is my life, and I yield to You, confident that You are faithful to manifest His life through me. Amen.

Photo Credit: Unsplash
Devotional Credit: Abide Above