Show notes:

Growing into Christlikeness is not a linear process. Yet the historic Christian church has identified three movements that we revisit with increasing depth.

• Purification: This refers to growing in increasing moral excellence.

• Illumination: This refers to growing in increasing understanding of truth.

• Communion: This refers to growing in increasing fellowship with God.

These provide a helpful "map" for understanding the invitation before us to grow in Christ-likeness. In the middle ages of our life, we can expect God to use the stage we are in to perform these movements of growth. Career, family, responsibilities, duties and life circumstances are not a deterrent for spiritual growth but instead serve as the context for which our spiritual growth happens.