In 1 Timothy 1:5, Paul gives an important lesson on the prerequisite to love. The dictionary describes a prerequisite as: Required or necessary as a prior condition. The prerequisite to love means, in this writing, that which you have to possess before you can love someone. We often hear that we are to "love our brother" or "love your neighbor as yourself" but these seem to be impossible or we attempt to but fall short.
The reason we can't seem to accomplish it is because we don't follow the teaching of Paul in this text when he says "But the goal of our instruction is love from a pure heart and a good conscience and a sincere faith". 1 Tim. 1:5
Paul tells Timothy that the goal, the purpose, the aim of his teaching is love. We see this also in what Jesus taught. However, Paul continues to tell what the origin or source of that ability is, or what is necessary before one is able to love. He mentions that love springs from one source, something like seeing a natural spring erupting in a spout of water, flowing into a pool. In that illustration, we can see love erupting but where it comes from is a three-fold source, somewhat akin to three streams of water, flowing into one.
Those three streams of water are: a pure heart, clear conscience and a sincere faith. The streams combined, produces love.
Let's break them down and show how we should apply this one scripture into our life.
A Pure Heart: The word pure, in Greek, is katharos. We derive our English word, catharsis. This means to purge, purify, cleanse. It is the "therapeutic result of this process". It is an ongoing process similar to our word, flush. We flush a toilet, for example, to take away the waste. The means of getting a pure heart is by confession. It is an ongoing process, one we need to do often. We confess our sins (Greek-sideslips) to God and one another. This is the process of continual flushing. This example, of getting a pure heart, is an action in 'the here and now, the present'. We cannot love unless we have a pure, confessed, purged heart.
A Clear Conscience: The next thing Paul mentions, secondary to having a pure heart, is a clear conscience. Whereas the pure heart was the present, here, Paul talks about the past, getting your conscience clear. He instructs us to take care of past offenses. If we have wronged someone, make it right. Sometimes we are so burdened with shame over our past that we feel it is insurmountable and we can not possibly take care of sins from our past. Not doing so causes us to have a quasi love but not agape love. It has the appearance of love but it is ineffectual, empty, mushy and without boundaries.
What does love without boundaries look like?
A Sincere Faith: Last, Paul puts the future activity in its rightful place. Getting and having a sincere faith which is implanting the Word. Faith comes by hearing and hearing by the Word of God, which is doctrine, moral conviction, beliefs, without which, we have no moral compass or beliefs to anchor into when we are tempted or one tries to sway us from the truth.
Jesus says not, that they will know you are My disciples by your words, your works, your … but rather, by your love for one another. Paul gives concrete steps for gaining the ability to love: getting your heart pure by confessing your sins; clearing your conscience from past offenses; building your faith and doctrine through God's Word. It is only then that you will be able to show sincere love to others.
Paul tells Timothy and ultimately, us, in 1 Tim. 6:12 to "Fight the good fight of faith"… The Greek illustration is someone planning a war. He plans with strategy. Ask yourself: What is my strategy for fighting the good fight? What are my plans? What should I do to insure my success in keeping a pure heart, a good conscience and a sincere faith? What do I see as Satan's plan for me to fail? How will he thwart my efforts?
Fight the good fight, keeping the faith. Hold on to your convictions, reinforce them.
January 28, 2007
January 26, 2007
Jonah-a Picture of God Using an Immature Believer
In the Old Testament, most names had a significant meaning. Jonah means dove. His father's name, Amittai, means truth.
Jonah was one who believed strongly in God, however, he was immature, suicidal and often depressed. Even though God used him mightily, Jonah had an immature response to His call. God still used him. God will use you, despite your faults.
Interesting facts about Jonah are:
God gives us direction; we try to find beauty or satisfaction in going a different direction resulting in God "refining" us. We think we are fleeing, away from God, but we are fleeing right into his refinery. God's purpose is to make something beautiful out of our life.
God responded to Jonah by using the elements, wind, waves, and storm... we often think God does things 'supernaturally' but if you look at Scripture, he often does them naturally. It may be so the unbeliever will not see anything out of the norm and it will cause them and the believer to react by faith and not due to unnatural phenomenon or a 'religious experience'.
God caused the ship that Jonah was in to sink. A man's normal response to this type of disaster is to fear, fight or flee from the elements. Jonah responded by falling asleep. Sleeping during a crisis is often due to depression.
The response of the sailors was to call out to God.
Note that the ungodly men were able to discern God's will. Even the ungodly are given God's enlightenment if it will result in His glory. We need to remember this when a non-Christian boss, parents or the government tries to direct us.
Jonah became suicidal. This is sometimes what we sometimes feel when we do not following God's will.
v.16 The result was that God was known as the Lord.
Jonah was thrown into the sea. That meant death to him. That sea is very big. There was no hope for his survival. When he told the sailors to throw him into the sea, it was because he felt he should die. When he was swallowed up, he realized that he was really gone. Inside the fish, there was no hope that he could at the very least, tread water. He prayed and then repented rethink. He broke and had his first discourse with God.
God spoke back and Jonah moved. He had a tender heart.
When he finally went to Ninevah, he spoke and the people of Ninevah believed. He spoke with authority.
God's decision to spare Ninevah displeased Jonah and he became angry.
Jonah knew God's heart, that He was gracious, compassionate, slow to anger, abundant in loving kindness, relents of calamity.
Think about this list and ask yourself how you display those characteristics to your family members. We need first to practice them at home before we do it out in the world. The home is God's training ground for us before we are able to go into the world to share His love. If we aren't doing it at home, we best not fool ourselves into thinking we can do it in the world.
In 4:1, after God relented, Jonah was displeased and his displeasure turned to anger. Do you ever see this in you, when God does something you disagree with? Do you ever get angry when things don't go your way? I do.
In v.2, he has his second discourse with God. Remember the first was one of seeking God when he was in trouble and now that he is safe, he is angry with God. He says, "I fled to Tarshish in order to forestall this". That was not the reason but he has turned it around in his own mind to JUSTIFY his behavior.
In 1:3 it says that he "fled from the presence of the Lord", it had nothing to do with forestalling this.
Have you ever done that, changed things around to justify your behavior?
After he lied, v.3 indicates that he became suicidal. Have you ever done this, not be up front with God then feel like dying. I think this is a very important part of this text. The next time you feel like Jonah did, ask yourself, "did God give me some direction and I am bucking Him".
4.5-Jonah made a shelter for himself. We often try to cover ourselves with things, habits, and activities to redirect our focus and feelings.
God, in His benevolence, caused a plant to grow to shade him. Jonah was elated but God caused a worm to destroy the plant a dry hot wind to blow. Jonah again became angry and wanted to die. God related his emotion for the plant to that of His to the people of Ninevah.
God's wrath and compassion are illustrated here as are Jonah's 'roller coaster' emotions, anger, and suicidal ideation.
v.11, God brings logic, conclusion, and closure.
What do you think about:
Jesus' references to Jonah in Matthew 16:4.
Jonah being a 'sign' to the Ninevites as Christ is to this generation. Luke 11:30
Jonah was one who believed strongly in God, however, he was immature, suicidal and often depressed. Even though God used him mightily, Jonah had an immature response to His call. God still used him. God will use you, despite your faults.
Interesting facts about Jonah are:
- God spoke to him.
- Jonah was told specifically where to go: Ninevah
- What to do: cry out against it
- The reason for the action: they were wicked before God
- Ninevah was founded by Nimrod who was a very evil man.
- Jonah responded to God's call by fleeing [an immature response] to Tarshish which means a smelting pot, refinery, and was place where there was a mix of many cultures. It was "by way of Joppa" which means beauty.
God gives us direction; we try to find beauty or satisfaction in going a different direction resulting in God "refining" us. We think we are fleeing, away from God, but we are fleeing right into his refinery. God's purpose is to make something beautiful out of our life.
God responded to Jonah by using the elements, wind, waves, and storm... we often think God does things 'supernaturally' but if you look at Scripture, he often does them naturally. It may be so the unbeliever will not see anything out of the norm and it will cause them and the believer to react by faith and not due to unnatural phenomenon or a 'religious experience'.
God caused the ship that Jonah was in to sink. A man's normal response to this type of disaster is to fear, fight or flee from the elements. Jonah responded by falling asleep. Sleeping during a crisis is often due to depression.
The response of the sailors was to call out to God.
Note that the ungodly men were able to discern God's will. Even the ungodly are given God's enlightenment if it will result in His glory. We need to remember this when a non-Christian boss, parents or the government tries to direct us.
Jonah became suicidal. This is sometimes what we sometimes feel when we do not following God's will.
v.16 The result was that God was known as the Lord.
Jonah was thrown into the sea. That meant death to him. That sea is very big. There was no hope for his survival. When he told the sailors to throw him into the sea, it was because he felt he should die. When he was swallowed up, he realized that he was really gone. Inside the fish, there was no hope that he could at the very least, tread water. He prayed and then repented rethink. He broke and had his first discourse with God.
God spoke back and Jonah moved. He had a tender heart.
When he finally went to Ninevah, he spoke and the people of Ninevah believed. He spoke with authority.
God's decision to spare Ninevah displeased Jonah and he became angry.
Jonah knew God's heart, that He was gracious, compassionate, slow to anger, abundant in loving kindness, relents of calamity.
Think about this list and ask yourself how you display those characteristics to your family members. We need first to practice them at home before we do it out in the world. The home is God's training ground for us before we are able to go into the world to share His love. If we aren't doing it at home, we best not fool ourselves into thinking we can do it in the world.
In 4:1, after God relented, Jonah was displeased and his displeasure turned to anger. Do you ever see this in you, when God does something you disagree with? Do you ever get angry when things don't go your way? I do.
In v.2, he has his second discourse with God. Remember the first was one of seeking God when he was in trouble and now that he is safe, he is angry with God. He says, "I fled to Tarshish in order to forestall this". That was not the reason but he has turned it around in his own mind to JUSTIFY his behavior.
In 1:3 it says that he "fled from the presence of the Lord", it had nothing to do with forestalling this.
Have you ever done that, changed things around to justify your behavior?
After he lied, v.3 indicates that he became suicidal. Have you ever done this, not be up front with God then feel like dying. I think this is a very important part of this text. The next time you feel like Jonah did, ask yourself, "did God give me some direction and I am bucking Him".
4.5-Jonah made a shelter for himself. We often try to cover ourselves with things, habits, and activities to redirect our focus and feelings.
God, in His benevolence, caused a plant to grow to shade him. Jonah was elated but God caused a worm to destroy the plant a dry hot wind to blow. Jonah again became angry and wanted to die. God related his emotion for the plant to that of His to the people of Ninevah.
God's wrath and compassion are illustrated here as are Jonah's 'roller coaster' emotions, anger, and suicidal ideation.
v.11, God brings logic, conclusion, and closure.
What do you think about:
Jesus' references to Jonah in Matthew 16:4.
Jonah being a 'sign' to the Ninevites as Christ is to this generation. Luke 11:30
January 23, 2007
Important Facts of Faith
For by grace you have been saved through faith; and that not of yourselves, it is the gift of God; not as a result of works, that no one should boast. Eph 2:8
*Faith can fail
But I have prayed for you, that your faith may not fail; and
you, when once you have turned again, strengthen your brothers. "Luke 22:32
*Faith can be seen
This man was listening to Paul as he spoke, who, when he had
fixed his gaze upon him, and had seen that he had faith to be made well, Acts 14:9
*We increase our faith by hearing the Word of God
So faith comes from hearing, and hearing by the word of Christ. Rom 10:17
*Each has an allotment
God has allotted to each a measure of faith. Rom 12:3
*We are warned to stand firm in it
Be on the alert, stand firm in the faith, act like men, be
strong. 1 Cor 16:13
If indeed you continue in the faith firmly established and
steadfast, and not moved away from the hope of the gospel that you have
heard, which was proclaimed in all creation under heaven, and of which I,
Paul, was made a minister. Col 1:23
*Others can strengthen and encourage us in our faith
And we sent Timothy, our brother and God's fellow worker in the
gospel of Christ, to strengthen and encourage you as to your faith, 1 Thes. 3:2
*Yielding to the tempter can destroy it
For this reason, when I could endure it no longer, I also sent to
find out about your faith, for fear that the tempter might have tempted
you, and our labor should be in vain. 1 Thes. 3:5
*Rejecting a good conscience causes shipwreck in regards to our faith
But holding to the mystery of the faith with a clear conscience. 1 Tim 3:9
Keeping faith and a good conscience, which some have rejected
and suffered shipwreck in regard to their faith. 1 Tim 1:19
*Falling away from the faith results from paying attention to deceiving
spirits and instruction of demons
But the Spirit explicitly says that in later times some will fall
away from the faith, paying attention to deceitful spirits and doctrines
of demons, 1 Tim 4:1
*Longing for money causes us to wander from it
For the love of money is a root of all sorts of evil, and some
by longing for it have wandered away from the faith, and pierced
themselves with many a pang. But flee from these things, you man of God;
and pursue righteousness, godliness, faith, love, perseverance and
gentleness. 1 Tim 6:10
*Pursuing youthful lusts destroy it
Now flee from youthful lusts, and pursue righteousness, faith,
love {and} peace, with those who call on the Lord from a pure heart. 2 Tim 2:22
*Reproofs strengthen ones faith
This testimony is true. For this cause reprove them severely
that they may be sound in the faith, Titus 1:13
*When it is tested, it produces endurance
Knowing that the testing of your faith produces endurance. James 1:3
*Diligence applied to faith is a precursor to moral excellence and maturity
Now for this very reason also, applying all diligence, in your
faith supply moral excellence, and in your moral excellence, knowledge; 2 Peter 1:5
*Faith can fail
But I have prayed for you, that your faith may not fail; and
you, when once you have turned again, strengthen your brothers. "Luke 22:32
*Faith can be seen
This man was listening to Paul as he spoke, who, when he had
fixed his gaze upon him, and had seen that he had faith to be made well, Acts 14:9
*We increase our faith by hearing the Word of God
So faith comes from hearing, and hearing by the word of Christ. Rom 10:17
*Each has an allotment
God has allotted to each a measure of faith. Rom 12:3
*We are warned to stand firm in it
Be on the alert, stand firm in the faith, act like men, be
strong. 1 Cor 16:13
If indeed you continue in the faith firmly established and
steadfast, and not moved away from the hope of the gospel that you have
heard, which was proclaimed in all creation under heaven, and of which I,
Paul, was made a minister. Col 1:23
*Others can strengthen and encourage us in our faith
And we sent Timothy, our brother and God's fellow worker in the
gospel of Christ, to strengthen and encourage you as to your faith, 1 Thes. 3:2
*Yielding to the tempter can destroy it
For this reason, when I could endure it no longer, I also sent to
find out about your faith, for fear that the tempter might have tempted
you, and our labor should be in vain. 1 Thes. 3:5
*Rejecting a good conscience causes shipwreck in regards to our faith
But holding to the mystery of the faith with a clear conscience. 1 Tim 3:9
Keeping faith and a good conscience, which some have rejected
and suffered shipwreck in regard to their faith. 1 Tim 1:19
*Falling away from the faith results from paying attention to deceiving
spirits and instruction of demons
But the Spirit explicitly says that in later times some will fall
away from the faith, paying attention to deceitful spirits and doctrines
of demons, 1 Tim 4:1
*Longing for money causes us to wander from it
For the love of money is a root of all sorts of evil, and some
by longing for it have wandered away from the faith, and pierced
themselves with many a pang. But flee from these things, you man of God;
and pursue righteousness, godliness, faith, love, perseverance and
gentleness. 1 Tim 6:10
*Pursuing youthful lusts destroy it
Now flee from youthful lusts, and pursue righteousness, faith,
love {and} peace, with those who call on the Lord from a pure heart. 2 Tim 2:22
*Reproofs strengthen ones faith
This testimony is true. For this cause reprove them severely
that they may be sound in the faith, Titus 1:13
*When it is tested, it produces endurance
Knowing that the testing of your faith produces endurance. James 1:3
*Diligence applied to faith is a precursor to moral excellence and maturity
Now for this very reason also, applying all diligence, in your
faith supply moral excellence, and in your moral excellence, knowledge; 2 Peter 1:5
All Scripture taken from the New American Standard Bible
January 22, 2007
Born of the Spirit vs. Born of the Soul
Many years ago, I noticed something interesting when I went to a Christian concert and they had an “altar call”. Hundreds went forward to accept Christ. Almost no one kept that relationship with God. Fascinating.
Years later, I attended a Power Team performance. If you are not familiar with them, they are ‘muscle men’ who perform many feats of strength and then, have an “altar call” after a message about the saving grace of Christ. I watched hundreds go forward to receive Christ. They did excellent follow up and had all the participants fill out ‘follow-up’ cards.
This time, I knew the pastor and a year or so later, asked him the outcome of the event. What I had expected was found to be true. Nearly none of the hundreds continued in their faith.
What happened?
I began to search the Word in light of this situation and found something interesting. In order to be “born again”, one must have two things, the Word of God and the calling of the Holy Spirit. Without one or the other, one cannot be “born again”. We see this in Jesus’ words to Nicodemus in John 3:5. If you research the word ‘water’, you will see that it represents the Word of God. (This would be a different conversation so I won’t delve into it here).
So, what did happen to these people if they heard the Word of God at these performances? I found that what had happened was that they were not being drawn by the Spirit of God but rather by the “soul” of the performers. The soul is the mind, will and emotions. What had happened was that the performers were reaching the other's soul (emotions) rather than the Spirit of God reaching their spirit, causing them to be “born again”.
We (who don’t see the spiritual realm) look at these people as they “fall away” and say, “see, they lost their salvation”. Rather, it appears that they were never saved. They had a soul experience rather than a spiritual experience.
As to the eternal Security of the “true believer”, one who has truly been born again; I believe that this cannot be changed.
ROM 11:29 says, “for the gifts and the calling of God are irrevocable”. When God gives us Spiritual gifts, as outlined in Rom. 12, Eph. 4 and 1 Cor. 12 and calls us (to salvation), it is irrevocable.
Also, when we look at Romans 8:29-31 and Eph. 2, we see that it is God who calls us and causes us to be saved, an amazing and awesome gift.
Years later, I attended a Power Team performance. If you are not familiar with them, they are ‘muscle men’ who perform many feats of strength and then, have an “altar call” after a message about the saving grace of Christ. I watched hundreds go forward to receive Christ. They did excellent follow up and had all the participants fill out ‘follow-up’ cards.
This time, I knew the pastor and a year or so later, asked him the outcome of the event. What I had expected was found to be true. Nearly none of the hundreds continued in their faith.
What happened?
I began to search the Word in light of this situation and found something interesting. In order to be “born again”, one must have two things, the Word of God and the calling of the Holy Spirit. Without one or the other, one cannot be “born again”. We see this in Jesus’ words to Nicodemus in John 3:5. If you research the word ‘water’, you will see that it represents the Word of God. (This would be a different conversation so I won’t delve into it here).
So, what did happen to these people if they heard the Word of God at these performances? I found that what had happened was that they were not being drawn by the Spirit of God but rather by the “soul” of the performers. The soul is the mind, will and emotions. What had happened was that the performers were reaching the other's soul (emotions) rather than the Spirit of God reaching their spirit, causing them to be “born again”.
We (who don’t see the spiritual realm) look at these people as they “fall away” and say, “see, they lost their salvation”. Rather, it appears that they were never saved. They had a soul experience rather than a spiritual experience.
As to the eternal Security of the “true believer”, one who has truly been born again; I believe that this cannot be changed.
ROM 11:29 says, “for the gifts and the calling of God are irrevocable”. When God gives us Spiritual gifts, as outlined in Rom. 12, Eph. 4 and 1 Cor. 12 and calls us (to salvation), it is irrevocable.
Also, when we look at Romans 8:29-31 and Eph. 2, we see that it is God who calls us and causes us to be saved, an amazing and awesome gift.
January 21, 2007
GROW UP
GROW UP, ACT YOUR AGE, YOU’RE SO IMMATURE…
Ever heard those words before? Maybe you still hear them. Maybe just in your head.
Months after writing the study on James 1 about trials leading to our maturity, I began to question the importance of those first few verses. I started to look at Christians, our walk, our relationship with God and our relationship with other people. I came to see that our number one problem is that we are immature.
Psychologists use terms like narcissistic, egocentric, or self-centered, but God calls it ‘imperfect’. He says, “you are to be perfect, as I am perfect." (Mt. 5:48) Wow, I'd be happy with just moral, friendly or maybe trustworthy, but perfect?
The word ‘perfect’ is translated ‘mature’. God's desire is for us to be mature.
In earlier years, I have taken an approach to Christianity as a list of 'dos and don'ts'. My efforts were focused on struggling with sin and trying to overcome its power over me. However, I am learning that when we grow up, those behaviors begin to pass on their own.
Look at the way children act as opposed to adults. When children are given money, they find the first gum machine or toy to spend it on rather than thinking ahead to the future. Or, they hoard their money and don't give. Emotionally, they cry, pout, scream or 'fly off the handle'. The mature person remains calm and listens. Children fight and don't reason things through. They want instant gratification for their sensual appetites rather than postpone them. They lack contentment and satisfaction.
Paul says, "when I was a child, I spoke as a child, thought as a child and reasoned as a child. When I became a man, I did away with childish ways".
Do any of these ring true with you? They sure do with me.
Why does God want us to be mature? God's ultimate goal is for us to love Him and to love one another. Love comes only after we mature. The immature person is self-centered. The mature person is other-centered. When we are other-centered, we exhibit love. Paul says, "when the perfect (maturity) comes, the partial will be done away." He wrote this in what we call "the love chapter", 1 Cor. 13.
If He wants us to be mature so that we can love one another then how do we get there? What can we do to aid the process? Two scriptures come to mind. James 1 says, trials (temptations and tests) will test your faith and that testing produces endurance. It then says, “Let endurance have its perfect result that you may be mature and complete…” In other words, you need to respond correctly to trials and temptations. The children of Israel responded by grumbling resulting in them continuing on their journey for years. The best response you can have toward your trials and temptations is to allow Him to continue to work in you without grumbling but rather endure with patience and thanksgiving each situation He brings your way. It sounds simple, very simple, but we won’t do it.
The second scripture (Col. 1:28) says, "admonish every man and teaching every man with all wisdom that we may present every man mature." To grow in maturity, submit yourself to teaching and admonition. We often refuse to submit ourselves to others for scrutiny, which would allow them to admonish us and teach us. Think of what would happen to a child if he refused to listen to the teaching and correction of his father; he would be immature and any attempt to grow on his own would result in failure. We must find one or two others that we voluntarily expose ourselves to in order that they can speak into our lives, for our admonition, teaching and maturity.
This child I speak of is best exemplified in “the rich young ruler”. He is described as rich, young and a ruler in three of the Gospels. He was a youth who probably had been given a place of leadership and wealth before he earned them by hard work. This power probably went to his head. It appears that he was raised to be a pious person. However, when he asked Jesus what he had to do to be saved (enter the Kingdom of Heaven), Jesus went to the root of his need. He was immature. He needed to sell, give and follow (leaving the things that held him to this earth and his position of authority). He became very sad and went away. He refused to take the steps to maturity.
Narcissistic, egocentric, or self-centered? God calls us to grow up, to mature. He tells us that this is necessary for us to be effective and He gives us a prescription to bring it about. We are to start responding to his reproofs and corrections without grumbling and allow him to complete what he started in our lives and to submit to brothers who will be able to speak into our lives and give us correction. In this way we will mature and begin to see victory in our lives.
Ever heard those words before? Maybe you still hear them. Maybe just in your head.
Months after writing the study on James 1 about trials leading to our maturity, I began to question the importance of those first few verses. I started to look at Christians, our walk, our relationship with God and our relationship with other people. I came to see that our number one problem is that we are immature.
Psychologists use terms like narcissistic, egocentric, or self-centered, but God calls it ‘imperfect’. He says, “you are to be perfect, as I am perfect." (Mt. 5:48) Wow, I'd be happy with just moral, friendly or maybe trustworthy, but perfect?
The word ‘perfect’ is translated ‘mature’. God's desire is for us to be mature.
In earlier years, I have taken an approach to Christianity as a list of 'dos and don'ts'. My efforts were focused on struggling with sin and trying to overcome its power over me. However, I am learning that when we grow up, those behaviors begin to pass on their own.
Look at the way children act as opposed to adults. When children are given money, they find the first gum machine or toy to spend it on rather than thinking ahead to the future. Or, they hoard their money and don't give. Emotionally, they cry, pout, scream or 'fly off the handle'. The mature person remains calm and listens. Children fight and don't reason things through. They want instant gratification for their sensual appetites rather than postpone them. They lack contentment and satisfaction.
Paul says, "when I was a child, I spoke as a child, thought as a child and reasoned as a child. When I became a man, I did away with childish ways".
Do any of these ring true with you? They sure do with me.
Why does God want us to be mature? God's ultimate goal is for us to love Him and to love one another. Love comes only after we mature. The immature person is self-centered. The mature person is other-centered. When we are other-centered, we exhibit love. Paul says, "when the perfect (maturity) comes, the partial will be done away." He wrote this in what we call "the love chapter", 1 Cor. 13.
If He wants us to be mature so that we can love one another then how do we get there? What can we do to aid the process? Two scriptures come to mind. James 1 says, trials (temptations and tests) will test your faith and that testing produces endurance. It then says, “Let endurance have its perfect result that you may be mature and complete…” In other words, you need to respond correctly to trials and temptations. The children of Israel responded by grumbling resulting in them continuing on their journey for years. The best response you can have toward your trials and temptations is to allow Him to continue to work in you without grumbling but rather endure with patience and thanksgiving each situation He brings your way. It sounds simple, very simple, but we won’t do it.
The second scripture (Col. 1:28) says, "admonish every man and teaching every man with all wisdom that we may present every man mature." To grow in maturity, submit yourself to teaching and admonition. We often refuse to submit ourselves to others for scrutiny, which would allow them to admonish us and teach us. Think of what would happen to a child if he refused to listen to the teaching and correction of his father; he would be immature and any attempt to grow on his own would result in failure. We must find one or two others that we voluntarily expose ourselves to in order that they can speak into our lives, for our admonition, teaching and maturity.
This child I speak of is best exemplified in “the rich young ruler”. He is described as rich, young and a ruler in three of the Gospels. He was a youth who probably had been given a place of leadership and wealth before he earned them by hard work. This power probably went to his head. It appears that he was raised to be a pious person. However, when he asked Jesus what he had to do to be saved (enter the Kingdom of Heaven), Jesus went to the root of his need. He was immature. He needed to sell, give and follow (leaving the things that held him to this earth and his position of authority). He became very sad and went away. He refused to take the steps to maturity.
Narcissistic, egocentric, or self-centered? God calls us to grow up, to mature. He tells us that this is necessary for us to be effective and He gives us a prescription to bring it about. We are to start responding to his reproofs and corrections without grumbling and allow him to complete what he started in our lives and to submit to brothers who will be able to speak into our lives and give us correction. In this way we will mature and begin to see victory in our lives.
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