On To Maturity

Two left hands forming an outline of a heart s...Image via Wikipedia

Our great desire is that you will keep on loving others as long as life lasts, in order to make certain that what you hope for will come true.
Hebrews 6:11

In Hebrews 6, the writer encourages us to stop going over and over basic teachings about Christ such as repentance, faith, baptism, judgement etc. and instead move on to maturity. We might know all there is to know about our faith, we may even have degrees in theology and spend hours in the Bible, but still be immature.

James talks about real faith in James 2:18; But someone will say, "You have faith; I have deeds." Show me your faith without deeds, and I will show you my faith by what I do. Our spiritual maturity is shown by our actions, words, relationships, obedience and how we interact with others.

Spiritual maturity in not an automatic result of time. It results from focused listening to the word of God and living out that word in fellowship with the community. George Guthrie.

This is a real challenge to me as I look back over my life. Having been a Christian for 26 years, I wonder whether I am really better at loving, doing and acting out my faith now than when I first started. One thing I know is that the people who have made the most impact in my life and meant the most have been the ones who loved me and showed their love by consistent action. I pray that I can learn to do the same.

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Comments

Just Be Real said…
Mike, appreciate this thought provoking post! Thank you for sharing. Something to ponder. Blessings.
If we are true to Christ, loving is something we are striving to do at all times...sometimes we are more successful than others. I know that is true for me! Merry Christmas, Mike! Cathy
kc bob said…
Great thoughts again Mike! For the journey of maturity took a very positive turn when I began to live more from my heart than from my head.. makes sense when you think about it.. we love with our heart.
Steve said…
Thanks again for your thoughtful word. Have a Happy Christmas!
Anonymous said…
Mike, I join you in that desire. To be mature in Him and bring others into maturity. God bless and MERRY CHRISTMAS
Gudl said…
Yes, so help us God!!
Merry Christmas, Mike. It has been a pleasure getting to know you in blogger land !! lol
Anonymous said…
Merry Christmas to you Mike! May you enjoy the remaining days of 2009. This post hits on something I've been thinking on lately with increasing conviction. I really think our task in life is to grow up in maturity and then, in turn, to help others grow in maturity. And, all of that is wrapped and rooted in the joy and love and freedom that Christ brings. Like Kansas Bob, I think it does involve the heart! I am rereading a book that I have found to be pivotal in grasping this, "The Life Model: Living from the Heart Jesus Gave You." I have read and reread it over the last 10 years or so. Wishing you much joy and a happy Christmas! ~Suz.
duopastorale said…
Thanks Suz! I will check that out. Blessings to you today :)

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