Monday, April 12, 2010

Seven Characteristics of a Fully Mature Christian - James 3:5-10

Maturity is something that most people rarely desire to be lacking in. They would much rather want to have the most maturity as possible. However, we all have our moments when our emotions get the best of us and maturity flies out the window.

As a Christian we should be becoming more mature in our faith with each passing day. Things should grow more solid in our faith as time moves forward. If it is not then we have work to do; which is comforting and frustrating simultaneously.

Yesterday, I shared a sermon based on what I heard at the Tulsa Workshop. This yearly series is what I call "Words of Wisdom From the Workshop". The sermon was titled "Seven Characteristics of a Fully Mature Christian", by Randy Harris. Here are some additional applications to choose from to use this week...
  1. For a plant to become mature it goes through processes - These processes could be too much or too little sunlight or moisture. The interesting thing about too little moisture is that it causes the roots to go deeper to find water. When we go through drought then our roots should go deeper instead of quitting. Don't quit!
  2. Practice, practice - I remember as a sports participant not being too fond of practice. I wanted to be in the game, not go through the prep that gets me ready for the game - physically and mentally. However, proper practice is invaluable to game performance. Spiritual practice may not be heavily desired either, but it gets us ready for the "game". Use the prep times to your advantage and let it prepare you for your upcoming "game".
  3. Yield is awesome - From a grain perspective people want to have the biggest yield as possible. The points between planting and harvesting don't matter a whole lot if the yield is good. Whether there was good or poor conditions, if the yield was good that's what counts. So continue to press on to look forward to the yield and enjoy the journey in between.
If a Christian is not progressing toward maturity they are either stagnant or digressing. Hopefully you are not in either of the last to categories.

Make up your mind to be ever acknowledging where your maturity lies in one or more of these categories...1) Talking Less and Listening More, 2) Constantly Mindful of God, 3) Able to be Submissive & Obedient, 4) Able to be Humble, 5) Have Communitas, 6) Have Personal Spirituality (A Relationship), & 7) Hope.

Reaching toward maturity...

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