A Journey Named Maturity
These all
died in faith, not having received the promises, but having seen them
afar off were assured of them, embraced them and confessed that they
were strangers and pilgrims on the earth.
Hebrews 11:13
Recommended Reading
Most Christians are familiar with John Bunyan's Pilgrim's Progress.
Philippians 3:12-14
Bunyan's allegory is said to be the second-most popular book in the
history of the English language, second only to the Bible. While most
know the book, fewer are familiar with the complete title: The Pilgrim's Progress from This World to That Which Is to Come.
Pilgrim's Progress
is about an "everyman" who makes his way from earth to heaven by varied
and difficult paths. But it is on the path that he discovers salvation
and grows to maturity. In other words, because God's goal for us is
Christ-likeness (Romans 8:29), the journey becomes the destination. It
is on the journey toward heaven that we encounter the trials,
tribulations, and blessings that conform our inner person to the
character of Christ. Heaven is our home, but being like Jesus is our
goal.
The next time
the journey seems difficult, remember: It's supposed to be! If Christ
learned obedience through the things He suffered (Hebrews 5:8), it is
likely we will learn it the same way.
The Lord gets His best soldiers out of the highlands of affliction.
Charles Spurgeon
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