Thursday, December 3, 2009

Maturing In Christ

A definition of a mature Christian is lacking. Best to say that you know a mature Christian when you see one. They're in the New Testament. Barnabas is one. Aquila and Priscilla are others. Onesiphorous impresses me. And so is the mother of Rufus of whom Paul said, "she has been a mother to me." That's a short list.

Let’s take a look at the marks of maturity. 1) Self-sustaining in spiritual devotions. 2) Wise in human relationships. 3) Humble and serving. 4) Comfortable and functional in the everyday world where people of faith can be in short supply. 5) Substantial in conversation. 6) Prudent in acquisition. 7) Respectful in conflict. 8) Faithful in commitments.

Take a few minutes and ask how many people you know who would fit such a description. How many? Apparently, Paul pondered the question when he thought about Corinthian Christians and said, "I could not address you as spiritual but as worldly—mere infants in Christ."

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