As we examine the details of Paul's prayers, let's be reminded that Paul is primarily praying for the spiritual growth and maturity of Christians. So in Ephesians 1:17, he is asking that the believers in Ephesus would have a desire to know God more accurately and thoroughly and that they would seek God. Paul knew that God would respond to this and grant them spiritual wisdom and revelation. This growth is so vital to our spiritual health so we don't remain stagnate in our relationship with God. We are either making progress or regressing. This is why there are so many exhortations in the New Testament about our spiritual growth. The writer of Hebrews in 6:1 encourages the recipients of this letter to "move on to maturity." Paul states in 1 Timothy 4:14 to "take pains with these things; be absorbed in them, so that everyone will see your progress." Also, Peter ends his second letter with these words, "But grow in the grace and knowledge of our Lord and Savior Jesus Christ."
Are you experiencing spiritual growth right now in your life? If not, why not? Are you practicing the spiritual disciplines of prayer and time in the Word? Are you placing yourself in an environment that will encourage your spiritual growth? Remember we are responsible for our own spiritual growth and part of that is finding a community of believers whom God is building up by spiritually gifted men and women. (Ephesians 4:11-12)
The goal, Paul says in Ephesians 4:15, is that we will in all things grow up into Christ or become like Jesus in all areas of life. Remember Jesus Christ is our standard. He is our example and if we look to Him, He will grow us up to be like Him. There is nothing more fulfilling in this life than becoming like Jesus Christ. So let's allow God to begin a work deep within us today to make it so.
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