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On to Maturity

Many Christians have a saving faith in the gospel of the death, burial, and resurrection of Jesus as payment for our sins (1Cor 15;1-4), yet never grow in their faith. Often this is because denominations present the Christian life as simply accepting what their “experts” have determined. However, acceptance is not the same thing as growth and maturity.

Hindering our growth are the influences from the world and our own flesh. Just as video games and a fridge can turn one aside from a desire to improve physical fitness, vanity and pride can block one from spiritual growth. Humility is not only the natural result of seeing truth, it opens the door to God’s grace (James 4:6).

The best place to start a program of spiritual growth is with immersion in the word of God (the bible). At first it can seem like a history book (with some boring parts). However, it can slowly draw one in as various elements can seem like a puzzle where the pieces begin to fit together. For example seeing a relationship between Proverbs 26:4 and Luke 23:8-9.

Prayer is another often neglected activity. It is particularly sad in that this neglected activity is the main way to receive wisdom (James 1:5-6). Praying for others is not only beneficial for them, but aids in the development of our own sense of compassion and selflessness (which is the basis of love).

If we can develop a process of questioning, analyzing, and testing, we can exercise our senses to develop discernment (Heb 5:14). The world provides an almost endless series of lies, distortions, and manipulations on which to practice discernment. The development of discernment can be useful to apply to what one has already been taught by Christian leaders. Some intentionally present errors. Other may just echo errors not knowing that they contribute sincerity to error.

Our own flesh can inhibit our growth as well as the work the Holy Spirit would desire to accomplish in us (Gal 5:22-23). We can put to death the deeds of the flesh by making no provision for them (Rom 13:14). The result of all the work to gain maturity is essentially the transcendence from a state of selfishness and self seeking to a state of selflessness that might be seen as Christ-likeness.

Maturity may actually be hindered by classroom type instruction which can amplify vanity. Knowledge, understanding, and wisdom are better acquired dynamically through questioning, assessing, and evaluating making allowance for and actively seeking the Lord to aid in enlightenment.

Modern public education may have imprinted us into passively waiting for an authority figure to tell us what is true. However, the freedom we have in Christ can liberate us to explore all that might be learned through inquisitiveness, challenging assumptions, and exploration of the bible.

And this I pray, that your love may abound yet more and more in knowledge and in all judgment; That ye may approve things that are excellent; that ye may be sincere and without offence till the day of Christ; - Philippians 1:9-10

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