“Maturity”
“Therefore leaving the principles of the doctrine of Christ, let us go on unto perfection; not laying again the foundation of repentance from dead works, and of faith toward God” (Heb. 6:1). How mature are we as Christians?
Several years ago Bro. Mid McKnight (deceased) had preached what was considered a hard sermon, one in which, as the saying goes, toes were stepped on. A lady came out of the service and said to Bro. McKnight, “You shouldn’t be so hard on us babes in Christ.” Bro. McKnight said, “How long have you been in the church?” She replied, “Thirty years.” Bro. McKnight then said, “That’s a long time to be a baby.” It is sad that many Christians never go beyond the first principles.
What guides one to spiritual maturity? What directs someone in the right spiritual direction? That answer is very simple. It is the word of God. Paul wrote, “All scripture is given by inspiration of God, and is profitable for doctrine, for reproof, for correction, for instruction in righteousness: That the man of God may be perfect, thoroughly furnished unto all good works” (2 Tim. 3:16-17).
Maturity doesn’t just mean knowing more doctrine. Maturity doesn’t just mean you don’t argue with your spouse as much. Maturity doesn’t just mean you no longer steal, or lie. While certainly these previous things are included in maturity but it includes more than that. Maturity means that you are directed by the word of God. When you are trying to teach a child, train a person in a job, accomplish a certain task a mature person will follow instruction. Immaturity is seen when a Christian goes off in a different direction than the Bible, when they refuse to grow up and abide in the doctrine of Christ.
David wrote, “Thy word is a lamp unto my feet, and a light unto my path” (Psa.119:105). The word of God directs our every path. Jesus words in John reflect the same sentiment: “I am the true vine, and my Father is the husbandman. Every branch in me that beareth not fruit he taketh away: and every branch that beareth fruit, he purgeth it, that it may bring forth more fruit. Now ye are clean through the word which I have spoken unto you. Abide in me, and I in you. As the branch cannot bear fruit of itself, except it abide in the vine; no more can ye, except ye abide in me. I am the vine, ye are the branches: He that abideth in me, and I in him, the same bringeth forth much fruit: for without me ye can do nothing. If a man abide not in me, he is cast forth as a branch, and is withered; and men gather them, and cast them into the fire, and they are burned. If ye abide in me, and my words abide in you, ye shall ask what ye will, and it shall be done unto you. Herein is my Father glorified, that ye bear much fruit; so shall ye be my disciples” (John 15:1-8).
Observe the number of times the word “abide” is used in this passage. Staying connected to the vine, bearing fruit, abiding in the vine. All of these direct us towards the maturity that we find in Christ Jesus.
Larry