Grow in Spiritual Maturity
2 Timothy 3:1-17
Spiritual maturity does not just happen. We often expect people to mature because they are getting older. Physical maturity does not guarantee emotional and mental maturity. Being one of the oldest or longest attendees at church does not guarantee spiritual maturity. As John Maxwell wrote, “Maturity does not always come with age; sometimes age comes alone” (“Everyone Communicates, Few Connect,” p. 31).
To mature spiritually, followers of Jesus Christ must be intentional about their growth. If you want to lose weight and achieve good physical health, you must intentionally make better food choices. You must follow a good exercise regimen. It also helps to have a good coach or mentor on your side.
Make good choices. Jesus commanded us to love God and our neighbors (Mark 12:30-31). Likewise, Paul warned Timothy to avoid self-centered people. His list reflects today’s American culture! Unfortunately, you do not have to look beyond the church to find such selfish behavior. Church fights and dissatisfaction reflect self-centeredness. Why don’t they play the music I like? Why doesn’t the pastor preach messages I want to hear? Why do they expect me to serve others? Why won’t they follow my demands? Spiritual maturity is best gauged by an intentional step away from self-centered choices and behaviors to God- and other-focused ones.
Follow good mentors. Who is a good mentor?
Good mentors:
– Don’t talk about doing the right thing; they do it.
– Don’t talk about evangelism; they share God’s message of hope and love by sharing their testimony naturally and easily.
– Don’t talk about love; they demonstrate God’s love through selfless acts of service, whether to people who attend their church or people who are complete strangers.
Abide in Christ. Spiritual maturity comes by talking to God and studying the Bible every day. When you talk to God daily, your relationship grows. That relationship is strengthened by studying God’s word. Read at least a chapter of the Bible every day and ask four basic questions so you can apply its lessons to your life:
1) What did you learn about God?
2) What did you learn about yourself or others?
3) Is there an example or command to be followed?
4) Is there sin to be avoided?
There is an African proverb, “It takes a village to raise a child.” The Bible teaches that it takes a Christian community helping each other make good choices, mentoring one another, and helping each other abide in Christ daily to produce spiritual maturity.
Scudder– Lessons in the BSL series for the fall quarter are being written by Steve Scudder, director of missions for Savannah River Association since 2006.