Post by Edward Adams (Singles Ministry)
We all know when we first get saved that it's a process. We never come to God perfect. Matter of fact, we come to God broken, used, abused, neglected and with a host of different problems. God uses the altar as a place of exchange to give us righteousness for our problems. This is what makes us, “new creations”. However, this does not mean we should remain stuck at this level throughout our Christian journey.
Maturity comes when we accept responsibility for our words, thoughts, actions, and intentions. (1 Corinthians 13:11,Matthew 5:28) We have to make sure that we continuously press towards the mark of the high calling of Christ. To that effect, we must also understand that the Holy Spirit is still in the process of changing us. Yes, the Holy Spirit, not us. Often times we think the changes we undergo are the result of our hard work to become a better person. Sure, there are improvement systems that we put into place for our own betterment. However, it's the spirit of the living God that moves us to the place where we can become better people. As such, our reliance on the Holy Spirit must be paramount in everything we do and say. If you feel that you can make it on our own apart from the Holy Spirit, you’re leaning to your own understanding. (Proverbs 3:5-6 KJV) Repent right now. Don't worry, I'll wait. The Holy Spirit is right next to you for a reason.
As mature Christians, we cannot make God's word a stumbling block for the people who are observing us. Furthering the Kingdom of God should always be our ultimate goal in everything we do. Often times we neglect our duty to the one who has redeemed us, which ultimately stunts our growth and demotivates onlookers. Matthew 6:33 (KJV) says, “But seek ye first the kingdom of God, and his righteousness; and all these things shall be added unto you.” This scripture reveals the type of focus we need to sustain our own maturity in the faith as we inspire others.
“AS MATURE CHRISTIANS, WE MUST RECOGNIZE THAT THERE ARE CERTAIN THINGS WE JUST CAN’T DO ANYMORE.”
As mature Christians, we must recognize that there are certain things we just can't do anymore. This is the focus in so many scriptures. “What shall we say then? Shall we continue in sin, that grace may abound? God forbid.” (Romans 6:1-2) “What then? shall we sin, because we are not under the law, but under grace? God forbid.” (Roman 6:15) “Know ye not that your bodies are the members of Christ? Shall I then take the members of Christ, and make them the members of a harlot? God forbid.” (1 Corinthians 6:15) “Is the law then against the promises of God? God forbid: for if there had been a law given which could have given life, verily righteousness should have been by the law.” (Galatians 3:21) The central theme in most of these verses is that the word of God offers us maturity, grace, and promise; and God forbid that these declarations come back to us as void (Isaiah 55:11 KJV).
