MANY STRUGGLE TO DEFINE SPIRITUAL MATURITY
People aspire to be spiritually mature, but they do not know what it means. America has thousands of churches and organizations for nurturing Christian spirituality. Many feel there is little progress in helping people to develop spiritually. Churchgoers and clergy often can’t define a basic understanding of spiritual maturity. Here are five challenges facing us:
1. Most Christians equate spiritual maturity with trying hard to follow the rules.
81% of self-identified Christians endorsed this statement; spirituality isn’t about us trying hard to follow rules. The Apostle Paul identified spiritual effort as work produced by faith, labor prompted by love, and endurance inspired by hope in our Lord Jesus Christ (1 Thessalonians 1:3).
2. Most churchgoers are not clear what their church expects in terms of spiritual maturity.
The Bible teaches spiritual maturity in these ways: (a.) Transformation by the renewing of our mind (new thinking) in Romans 12:2; (b.) Transforming into his likeness in 2 Corinthians 3:18 and (c.) Crucifying our sinful nature with its passions and desires in Galatians 5:24.
3. Most Christians offer one-dimensional/shallow views of personal spiritual maturity.
Read Ephesians 3:16-19. It is Paul’s prayer for followers of Jesus to have a deep and expansive spiritual life. Deep spiritual life is developed by seeking his strength through the Holy Spirit, letting Jesus be alive every waking moment of your life, making your faith act on what it believes about Jesus, agreement with other Christ-followers and appreciating that there are aspects of God beyond our understanding.
4. Pastors struggle with feelings of relevance as well as defining specific spiritual objectives.
Nine out of 10 pastors said that a lack of spiritual maturity is the most significant or one of the largest problems facing the Christian community. If we are relevant, why aren’t people in the churches we serve making progress in their spiritual journey? Why is it that a majority of people who call themselves Christ-followers do what they know Jesus would never do; or why are a majority of churchgoers stingy toward the body of Christ with their time, money and abilities?
5. Pastors are vague about the biblical references they use to chart spiritual maturity for people.
Just 2% of pastors specifically identified the Galatians 5 passage relating to the “fruits of the Spirit,” which includes love, joy, peace, patience, kindness, gentleness, and self-control. We are called to love and represent Jesus in a way that does not embarrass the Father.
FIVE COMMITMENTS OF YOUR PASTORS AND LEADERS
Clearly define Christian spirituality, identify the obstacles and act on the solutions.
Move forward with those who want to grow spiritually and pray for the “it’s good as it is” group.
Lead the church in living out the heart and principles of Christ rather than enslaved to rules.
Stay fresh and grow in our spiritual journey as leaders … we can’t give what we haven’t got.
Fairly assess who owns spiritual immaturity … not taking or giving inappropriate responsibility.
I believe that our Heavenly Father has uniquely prepared us to provide this community a place of hope, life, spiritual depth and celebration … a place where people experience the Kingdom of Heaven in Atwater.
Pastor Bill
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