Water Baptism

At the recent church baptism service, I encouraged the candidates and the people present to
Be: being precedes doing - Mary has chosen the one thing that is necessary ie. to sit at Jesus' feet (Lk 10:41-42)
A
People: we are a special people because God has chosen us and showered His mercies on us (1 Pet 2:9)
Transformed: in our attitude, behaviour and concern for others (2 Cor 5:17)
Into
Spiritual
Maturity: the writer to the Hebrews remind us to grow up and not be dependent on milk; instead we ought to study and apply God's Word in our lives - through constant use we are able to discern good and evil (Heb 5:12-14)

Goinng through water baptism is not a badge that Christians acquire in their faith pilgrimage but rather a pledge before God and the congregation to live a life worthy of God's calling.  Hence there is a need to strive towards spiritual maturity - to become more like Jesus. How do we go about doing so?

Firstly, like Mary of old, we need to imbibe the Word of God and talk to Him in prayer on a daily basis.
Secondly, as God's chosen people and royal priesthood, we are to worship God regularly and witness to His eternal grace and mercies. 
Thirdly, we need the help of the Holy Spirit to transform us into Christ's image (1 Sam 10:6).
Fourthly, we must not only be hearers but doers of God's Word; it is only through obedience that we grow towards spiritual maturity.

The life of King Saul showed us that one can be anointed of the Lord but yet fail through disobedience (1 Sa 15:22-23).  The words highligted in bold above are all the necessary ingredients for Christian growth and maturity.  May you grow in the grace and knowledge of our Lord and Saviour Jesus Christ (2 Pet 3:18)..