Ephesians 4:13 – This will continue until we all come to such unity in our faith and knowledge of God's Son that we will be mature in the Lord, measuring up to the full and complete standard of Christ. (NLT)

I can see them now — all daintily lined up on stools. But that was only the beginning.

In a time that many don't remember — although it wasn't too many years ago — most women's work was at home, not in the workforce. They cooked, cleaned, raised kids, and made clothes by hand and with sewing machines. Amazon didn't exist to fulfill their every desire, nor did they do all their clothes shopping at a nearby retail store or mall. But they did shop for one thing.

Many retail stores had a section where bolts of cloth lounged about. A counter hosted several stools with a large catalog at each stool. A woman would sit on the stool and thumb through the catalog until she found the piece of clothing she wanted to make for herself or a family member. Once discovered, she noted the pattern number associated with the garment.

Then came the next step. Near the counter, large racks or filing cabinets sat. Patterns were alphabetized or chronologically numbered. The pattern told how much cloth was needed to make the garment.

Next, the mom would select what colour and type of material she wanted, take the bolt of cloth to a counter where a customer rep worked, and have her measure out and cut the amount of material needed to make the item.

But the housewife and mom still hadn't finished her task. Now, she had to take the cloth home, lay it on the kitchen table or some other large area, place the pattern on top, and cut out the cloth as the pattern showed.

The most arduous task followed — sewing the garment by hand or with a sewing machine, which not all households could afford. The garment also had to be sized correctly. Needless to say, no one took their clothing for granted. They appreciated all the time invested in the making process. It didn't happen overnight or in a couple of days.

Although the above scenario doesn't often happen anymore, whoever makes clothing — even if it's a machine — must still follow a pattern. So must we, if we expect to grow spiritually as God expects. The age-old pattern hasn't changed. Study the Bible regularly, using a translation we can understand and enjoy. Spend time daily praying, giving our requests to God, and listening for His guidance. Hang around with other believers who will encourage and model spiritual maturity for us.

God's pattern for spiritual growth hasn't changed — and never will. Life gets busy, and priorities can easily get jumbled, so let us each follow the correct pattern to enjoy the best life.

Prayer: Father, help us to follow the correct pattern for spiritual growth. Amen.