Maturity signposts

“Therefore let us leave the elementary teachings about Christ and go on to maturity, not laying again the foundation of repentance from acts that lead to death, and of faith in God, instruction about baptisms, the laying on of hands, the resurrection of the dead, and eternal judgment” (Hebrews 6:1, 2)

The heart of God’s Spirit is to help us grow into the fullness of Christ – He comes imparting gifts “…until we all reach unity in the faith and in the knowledge of the Son of God and become mature, attaining to the whole measure of the fullness of Christ” (Ephesians 4:13).

One of the milestones of our spiritual journey onto maturity is the approval and acceptance of God’s will. David had this to say about God’s will.

“I desire to do your will, O my God; your law is within my heart” (Psalms 40:8).  “Teach me to do your will, for you are my God; may your good Spirit lead me on level ground” (Psalms 143:10).

Apostle Paul gives us a “path” that leads towards that state of mind:

“Do not conform any longer to the pattern of this world, but be transformed by the renewing of your mind. Then you will be able to test and approve what God’s will is–his good, pleasing and perfect will” (Romans 12:2).

What we have here is a transformation of the mind…a growth on to spiritual maturity that goes beyond a mere external conformity.

The great tragedy regarding God’s chosen people, Israel, was that they majored in external observances of feasts and religious celebrations but failed miserably in having a sincere love and deep reverence for God. Amos, the prophet spoke for God saying, “I hate, I despise your religious feasts; I cannot stand your assemblies” (Amos 5:21).

 

The spiritual maturity that Paul envisioned for Christians was one that attained the stage where God’s will was tested and accepted as good, pleasant and perfect. When you and I consider God’s will and can say that it is fully beneficial, fully agreeable and perfect, then we can say that we have reached a milestone in our spiritual maturity. Let us go on to maturity!