Saturday, August 7, 2010

Growing and Becoming Spiritually Mature

Howbeit we speak wisdom among them that are perfect: yet not the wisdom of this world, nor of the princes of this world, that come to nought: But we speak the wisdom of God in a mystery even the hidden wisdom, which God ordained before the world unto our glory.   
-I Corinthians 2: 6, 7 (KJV)

Paul the Apostle was not being sarcastic here at all when he referred to those who are perfect.  He was talking about those who are spiritually mature.  Attaining spiritual maturity is a lifelong process of walking with Christ and seeking His will.  Spiritual maturity comes when we put on Jesus Christ and His attitudes in all situations of life.  Think for a moment about how serious this is: I know of a young man, a High School student, who aspires to become a pro golfer.  This young man can be found on a golf course every day.  He lives, breathes, thinks, eats, and sleeps golf.  That is pretty much his life.  And let’s face it; that is the only way he stands a chance at making it as a pro golfer as the competition is so fierce. 

Spiritual maturity requires that we take the same approach to the Christian life.  We must live, think, breath, and talk Jesus Christ.  We place Christ at the center of our lives.  This is the key to becoming spiritually mature.  A great many people in the world are extremely centered, but they are centered on themselves.  Being self-absorbed and self-centered is a sure-fire recipe for remaining spiritually immature.  Placing Jesus Christ at the center of our lives moves us toward spiritual maturity.  With that maturity comes resolve to grow, thrive, and be all that the Lord intends for us to be.  Phrases like, “I can’t do this, it can’t be done, this problem is too big, I will never amount to anything, and this will never work,” begin to be removed from our vocabulary.  Such defeating statements are replaced with faith that God can do the impossible; in me, in you, in your congregation, and all around us.  The spiritually mature desire the will of God to be done and we desire it with all our hearts.  

By faith and the power of God we can speak openly about that which the world doesn’t understand and doesn’t believe - "The wisdom of God in a mystery."  The message is that Jesus Christ is Lord.  Salvation is through Him.  New life is in Him.  Nothing is too hard for God.  Reach out and by faith obtain the abundant life Jesus promised.  Walk forward in faith and grow into the person God has called you to be.

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