Now we see but a poor reflection as in a mirror; then we shall see face to face. Now I know in part; then I shall know fully, even as I am fully known. And now these three remain: faith, hope and love. But the greatest of these is love. -I Corinthians 13:12
Paul also said here that when he became a man he put from him childish ways. He left behind those behaviors that we expect from children. The same principle applies to followers of Christ; we left them behind, and it would be strange to take them up again. From time to time those who gave the impression of being maturing followers of Christ abruptly walk away from the faith they had once practiced. In some instances such persons may cease from praying, studying the scriptures, witnessing for Christ, or attending church. The scenario might also include drug use, excessive drinking, profanity, and a rejection of the Christ-like attitudes admonished in scripture. Sadly, the childish behaviors which had been put away so long ago can be taken up again. When this happens it is not a pretty picture. Rather, it is a shameful picture. The mature Christian will move forward, not backward.
The mature believer works toward having faith, hope, and love in the right order and perspective. Consider that any one of those three has the power to sustain us in the hard times of life. Faith that is grounded in Christ and the Word of God will keep us moving in the right direction in terms of our Christian growth and maturity. Hope is a powerful and positive force in our lives which can empower us to keep progressing when we might otherwise have given up. Hope is something. Sometimes it is everything. Love will then become an outward expression of the transforming power of Christ working within us and overflowing into all areas of our lives. Any one of these can be like a lifeline thrown out to a drowning man. If he can take hold, he will make it through whatever storm he is facing. When we have all three working simultaneously in our lives, we will be empowered toward spiritual and personal growth; we will be on the path to maturity as believers. The result will be an ongoing process of spiritual growth as we become the vibrant and joyful persons Christ has called us to be.
From, Get up and Grow: Becoming a Mature Christian, by Dan Birchfield
