In the 21st century, we are seduced to turn the Christian life into an experience of fun and excitement, into health and wealth, into easy fixes and smooth sailing, or into self fulfillment and acquisition. The problem comes when it turns out to be not much fun and is less than exciting. We become disillusioned when health and wealth alludes us. When things are not easily fixed and things are far from smooth sailing, we begin to question if we somehow missed the boat or possibly the boat just passed us by. Maybe the worst situation is when people use Christianity for their own selfish ambitions as a ride on the backs of those around them.
All of these things are diametrically opposed to what the Christian life actually is, a life of maturity. I know what you are thinking, “maturity doesn’t sound all that exciting!” That may be because we don’t understand the three defining aspects of maturity:
1. Maturity blossoms from growth. When education is working well, we get to watch young people develop in every area of their lives. It is so fun to see the lights go on when a middle schooler begins to understand algebra or the process of mitosis. In the same way, it is just as exciting to see someone begin to understand what is means to really know God in a personal way and to have that relationship begin to transform every area of their lives. This transformation is the journey to maturity, but just like a young person’s education, it takes time and attention.
2. Maturity benefits those around us. When every part of an engine is working well, we get to see it perform at its best. However, when one part is broken, the whole engine is dramatically effected. That is the same in the body of Christ and in our community. When one, or maybe a few people behave immaturely, it negatively effects the entire group. Conversely, when a few people carry themselves maturely through the events of life, everyone is positively impacted.
3. Maturity reflects the glory of God. When a mirror is dry and clean, our reflection is sharp and clear. In order for us to reflect the beauty of God in our lives, we need to be mature in the way we live our lives. In fact, in the Sermon on the Mount, Jesus said that “we therefore must be perfect, as your heavenly Father is perfect.” Don’t let the word ‘perfect’ freak you out.
The Greek word is téleios (an adjective, derived from télos, “consummated goal”) – mature (consummated) from going through the necessary stages to reach the end–goal, i.e. developed into a consummating completion by fulfilling the necessary process (spiritual journey). This root (tel-) means “reaching the end (aim).” It is well-illustrated with the old pirate’s telescope, unfolding (extending out) one stage at a time to function at full-strength (capacity effectiveness).
This is the same word Jesus used on the cross when He said, “It is finished!” What He was saying was that His work of redemption was “complete,” “finished,” “fully mature in it accomplishment,” and “fulfilled through all the steps He had taken.”
When we grow into maturity, we will bless those around us and reflect the glory of God. That is exciting!
So… therefore… what now? Rather than being seduced by the trinkets of a shallow Christianity, let us turn our faces and our hearts toward Christ and allow Him to use the rocky roads of our lives to mature us into people whose stability makes our community and better place to be.
Yours,
Kevin