Often when we think about what it means to be a mature person it is associated with growing older and growing up. Getting to that place where we begin to take care of ourselves without relying on our parents to help us. As well as thinking for ourselves and cultivating our own thoughts and ideas. So you could say that a mature person is someone self-sufficient. But is that also what it means to be a mature Christian.
While it would seem that way it simply is not the case. As one matures as a Christian you could actually say they are becoming more immature in the eyes of our world today. In fact, Jesus said that Christians must become like children in order to inherit the kingdom of God.
Matthew 18:2–4 (ESV)
2 And calling to him a child, he put him in the midst of them 3 and said, “Truly, I say to you, unless you turn and become like children, you will never enter the kingdom of heaven. 4 Whoever humbles himself like this child is the greatest in the kingdom of heaven.
You see the mature Christian life does not look much like the life of the mature person our world says we are to be. While it is common to think that someone growing older should begin to lean on their own understanding. Christian is taught through scripture to do the exact opposite. Becoming like children who look to their parents for understanding.
Proverbs 3:5 (ESV)
5 Trust in the Lord with all your heart,
and do not lean on your own understanding.
Maturing in the world means trying to solve all your problems on your own. Without trying to rely on the help and support of others. But that simply is not the case for Christians either. As we are told in the Word to pray for all our needs and to rely on God.
Philippians 4:6 (ESV)
6 do not be anxious about anything, but in everything by prayer and supplication with thanksgiving let your requests be made known to God.
Philippians 4:19 (ESV)
19 And my God will supply every need of yours according to his riches in glory in Christ Jesus.
While most grown adults lie awake at night full of anxiety and fear. Mature Christians are able to sleep soundly through the night without worry. Not because we have it all figured out. But because we know to give all our troubles over to God and he will handle them. Scripture is quick to always remind us that with God there is nothing to fear. Much like the young child who lives without fear under the protection of watchful loving parents.
Matthew 6:31–33 (ESV)
31 Therefore do not be anxious, saying, ‘What shall we eat?’ or ‘What shall we drink?’ or ‘What shall we wear?’ 32 For the Gentiles seek after all these things, and your heavenly Father knows that you need them all. 33 But seek first the kingdom of God and his righteousness, and all these things will be added to you.
Isaiah 41:10 (ESV)
10 fear not, for I am with you;
be not dismayed, for I am your God;
I will strengthen you, I will help you,
I will uphold you with my righteous right hand.
Growing as a Christian defers greatly from just growing in the world. It even goes further than our thoughts and feelings but to our actions as well. Normally as people mature they leave things behind no longer doing the things they did when they were young.
However, as we mature in faith we do not drop those things we first learned when we became Christians. Like reading the Bible, praying, worshiping, and attending church. Actually, as we mature in our walk with God these things become an even bigger part of our life.
All because that is what we are instructed to do through the word. We never reach a point where we no longer need to pray. On the contrary, we are told to pray without ceasing.
1 Thessalonians 5:17 (ESV)
17 pray without ceasing,
Scripture is meant to be stored in our hearts. Which can only be done when we devote ourselves to study. No one reaches a point in life where they no longer need God’s word in their life.
Psalm 119:11 (ESV)
11 I have stored up your word in my heart,
that I might not sin against you.
Joshua 1:8 (ESV)
8 This Book of the Law shall not depart from your mouth, but you shall meditate on it day and night, so that you may be careful to do according to all that is written in it. For then you will make your way prosperous, and then you will have good success.
Growing out of a praising heart is not an option either. Christians must always continue to rejoice and worship God. With all that is within us.
1 Thessalonians 5:16 (ESV)
16 Rejoice always,
Psalm 86:12 (ESV)
12 I give thanks to you, O Lord my God, with my whole heart,
and I will glorify your name forever.
Finally, we never will reach a point on our walk with God where we no longer need to attend church. The spiritually mature person realizes their need for the church and the fellowship it offers. Sharing in the joy that David first did when it was said it is time to go to the house of the Lord. As well as heading the warning of Paul not to put off the importance of our coming together as the body of Christ in these last days.
Psalm 122:1 (ESV)
1 I was glad when they said to me,
“Let us go to the house of the Lord!”
Hebrews 10:25 (ESV)
25 not neglecting to meet together, as is the habit of some, but encouraging one another, and all the more as you see the Day drawing near.
Don’t fall away from God and your faith like so many have by believing that maturing in faith is the same as maturing in the world. Because the two are so different. To become mature as a Christian you must become immature in the eyes of culture. Relying on the Lord placing all your trust in him. Not leaving things behind as you grow but growing deeper in them every single day.
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