“They are so
immature! Have you heard teenage girls say that of their friends or especially
of boys and their behavior? Having two daughters I heard that a lot. Often I
would ask the one speaking what was immature about the questioned behavior, it
was probably something I had done or was doing. I then asked what would be more
mature? Often though I failed to ask them what was mature about their current
behavior?
Maturity seems
to have different definitions depending upon age. A teenager behaves a certain
way. It took me some time to recognize that in students. Seventh graders act
like 7th graders. Regardless of the person there are common goofy
characteristics of 7th graders and boys in particular. Yet a senior
adult could behave the same way say sliding down a smooth ramp in their (dry
learned from experience) sock feet and the onlookers would smile and envy them
and their freedom. Maybe even say that is real maturity! How can that be? Context
is everything and as it turns out so is age. Maturity is important in our walk
with Jesus says Paul.
No prolonged infancies among
us, please. We’ll not tolerate babes in the woods, small children who are an
easy mark for impostors. God wants us to grow up, to know the whole truth and
tell it in love—like Christ in everything. Ephesians 4:14-15 The
Message
The
21st century Christian in America believes in Jesus, has received
him as Savior, knows they are going to heaven and in their mind is set. In
reality regardless of their age they are a babe in Christ. Maturity comes as we
grow in our “walk” as Paul speaks of discipleship. How do we grow or “mature”
in our walk with the Lord? There are three basic disciplines prayer, reading scripture
and meditating on God’s word and his voice. When those basic disciplines are
not practiced maturity is slowed or stopped. It is practice that moves us
towards perfection.
In
a facebook post of Thursday WTOC reported Albert Pujols, nicknamed "The
Machine," displays his power while taking batting practice at Benedictine
MIlitary School. Why does Pujols need
batting practice? Consider this that a successful average in baseball is only hitting
the ball safely 33% of the time. That is a terrible percentage except in
baseball. If a free throw shooter had that percentage in basketball they would
be on the bench. It is THAT hard to hit a ball thrown by a major league
pitcher. It takes consistent batting practice to maintain and grow that skill.
Maturity comes by hitting the ball.
Maturity as a disciple
comes from consistent practice. Once a week (on Sunday) is not enough practice.
If you are on a diet one “good” meal a day will not help you lose weight. One
exercise time a week will not shed the pounds and lower the blood pressure. It
requires more practice than that. How about your “spiritual” practice? Is it more
consistent than one day a week? If not, why not?
Come on just do it!
It’s for His glory and
Your good
In
HIS Service and Yours,
Bro G
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