Maturity
"But grow in grace, and in the knowledge of
our Lord and Savior Jesus Christ. To him be glory both now and for ever. Amen."
[2 Peter 3:18]
Grow in grace is another way to say move on to maturity. Maturity is a matter of the heart. The
evidence of a mature heart is found in one's speech, actions and attitudes. In
reviewing a list I had made of the evidences of maturity, one word captivated my
thinking - regularity. Among Webster's sixteen definitions are these two:
"consistent or habitual" and "conforming to a generally accepted rule of
conduct". When the Bible talks about regularity it uses the word daily.
REGULAR PRAYER: "Give us this day our daily bread" (Matthew 6: 11) Prayer
for our daily bread means daily prayer. Prayer must become a consistent part of
our daily life. To pray without ceasing is an evidence of maturity.
REGULAR BIBLE STUDY: “...and searched the scriptures daily, whether those
things were so." (Acts 17:11b) Spiritual growth is the result of being able to
feed on both the milk of the Word and the meat of the Word. The former is only
feeding on food others have prepared, while the latter means being able to feed
yourself spiritually. Feeding on both the milk and the meat of the Word produces
maturity.
REGULAR DISCIPLESHIP: “If any man will come after me, let him deny
himself, and take up his cross daily, and follow me." (Luke 9:23) We have been
called to live for Christ, not for self. He asks us to voluntarily reject the
standards and philosophy of the world. This decision demands intensity. In
Jesus' time, the criminal carried his own cross to his crucifixion. It was a
"one way trip". Our discipleship is not a one-time decision but a daily task.
REGULAR FELLOWSHIP WITH BELIEVERS: "And they, continuing daily with one
accord in the temple, and breaking bread from house to house, did eat their meat
with gladness and singleness of heart Praising God and having favor with all the
people. And the Lord added to the church daily such as should be saved". (Act
2:46, 47) When our fellowship is for the right purpose - prayer, study of God's
Word, and worship (2:42, 43), what glorious results! The believers were united '
happy, praising God, admired and people were being saved. How often has our
fellowship with God been fractured by selfishness and self-centeredness?
REGULAR ENCOURAGEMENT OF BELIEVERS: "But exhort one another daily, while
it is called today, lest any of you be hardened through the deceitfulness of
sin." (Hebrews 3:13) We seek fellowship for meeting our own needs. Encouragement
is for the benefit of others. We are to be constantly and urgently encouraging
one another. It is God's way of helping us build our defense against sin and
apostasy. With out encouragement we fall prey to the deceitfulness of sin and
face spiritual disaster.
REGULAR RESPONSIBILITIES: "Beside those things that are without, that
which cometh upon me daily, the care of all the churches.” (2 Corinthians 11:28)
Every day we face responsibilities that we must accept. There is no room for
procrastination. The mature Servant of God accepts his God given
responsibilities without delay.
Regularity is not only a sign of maturity but the pathway to maturity.
