Image by Dimitris Vetsikas from Pixabay
There are things that we can understand and accept when we become mature Christians. Just like our physical body can only accept solid food as we grow up, there are certain teaching that we can only accept as we grow more mature in our Christian walk. What are these things?
Watch your behaviors.
Do not use your freedom as a stumbling block for others
“All things are lawful for me,” but not all things are helpful. “All things are lawful for me,” but I will not be dominated by anything. – 1 Cor 6:12
Although we are free to eat, drink or do anything with our bodies, we should use them wisely to glorify God. We should not be a glutton, or drunkards, or do anything immoral that would not be a good testimony to others. Remember, we are Christ’s ambassador in this world. We ought to be a good representation of Christ.
- Serving instead of being served
And he gave the apostles, the prophets, the evangelists, the shepherds and teachers, to equip the saints for the work of ministry, for building up the body of Christ, – Ephesians 4:11-12
God’s servants (pastors, teachers, elders) are given to believers not just to serve them, but to equip believers so that, in turn, they can serve and equip others too. Just like training in athletics, the coaches must first be taught and trained before they can train their athletes. So that their athletes will perform well.God’s servants who are not taught or trained might lead their disciples in the wrong direction. This lead to the next point…
- Do not be easily deceived by false doctrine
Until we all attain to the unity of the faith and of the knowledge of the Son of God, to mature manhood, to the measure of the stature of the fullness of Christ, so that we may no longer be children, tossed to and fro by the waves and carried about by every wind of doctrine, by human cunning, by craftiness in deceitful schemes.- Ephesians 4:13-14
When we receive new information, do we easily change our position, or do we measure that against the bible? Without maturity, new Christians are often attracted to charismatic preachers who might not teach the right doctrine or are influenced by worldviews that do not align with God. For example, when we watch a movie, and there are worldviews that do not agree with the truth in Scripture, do we compromise our beliefs, or do we reject those worldviews? We ought to be like the Bereans. They always compare new information with the scripture to see if they are true or not.
The brothers immediately sent Paul and Silas away by night to Berea, and when they arrived they went into the Jewish synagogue. Now these Jews were more noble than those in Thessalonica; they received the word with all eagerness, examining the Scriptures daily to see if these things were so. – Acts 17:10-12
- Be more like Christ
“Rather, speaking the truth in love, we are to grow up in every way into him who is the head, into Christ – Ephesians 4:15
By following Christ’s example in our conduct and speech. we do our best to keep the church unity. When we are communicating with other Christians, we need to consider if our motive is malicious, as in for our self-gain, or done in love to build up our brothers and sisters in Christ. Christ is the head of the church, so we should strive to make every part of the body work well for Christ’s sake.
In conclusion, maturity happens when we realize it is not just about us anymore, but about Him. It is not easy, but everything beautiful is never easily attained. We do these because we loved Him who has loved us first.
Angga
8/19/2023