Three times in Acts 15:30-6:5, we find the word “strengthened”.  Judas and Silas “encouraged and strengthened the brothers with many words” (15:32).  Paul and Silas were “strengthening the churches” (15:41).  The churches were “strengthened in the faith” (16:5).

We too need to be strengthened.  We need to be strengthened by the teaching of the Word.  We need to be strengthened by the encouragement of others.  We need to be strengthened in our faith.  We need to mature in Christ.

And we ought to pursue this maturity.  We gather together to be strengthened as we spend time praising God, praying, and hear the Word.  We commit to regularly spend time alone with God in His Word, and prayer, and praise.  We come together as families to read the Word and pray and sing.  We pursue growth.  We pursue maturity.  And as we mature, we can help to strengthen others, helping them to mature.

Don’t float through your Christian life.  Get the oars in the water.  Get serious about pursuing maturity in Christ.