“Are you a Mature Christian?”

Quick Question: In your growing years as a child or teen, were you ever told this phrase “It’s time for you to grow up.” To my shame, I was told that many times by my parents, teachers and adults. There were times in my younger years, I did not act or behave like a mature adult should act. You know what? In regard to growth, the Christian life is just like our physical life. There are times in which our spiritual life is not very mature. There are times where we all act like baby, immature children.

In Philippians 1:3-4, through the inspiration of the Holy Spirit, the Apostle Paul describes just how a mature believer should act. As you watch a person and see how they behave, you can quickly judge if that person is a mature or immature person. Spiritually speaking, we can do the same with believers. What are those indicators that show others that we are growing in our walk with Christ to be more mature?

First of all, a mature believer will have a “thankful” heart. (Philippians 1:3) As a believer in Christ, what are some things we should be thankful for? First, we should be thankful for God’s love. Do you ever sit and meditate and contemplate where your life would be apart from God’s love? Secondly, we should be thankful for the sacrifice of Jesus on the cross. We call it the “Gospel of Jesus Christ” that is found in His death, burial and resurrection. Thirdly, we should be thankful for the fellowship of fellow believers. Are you a “Thankful” believer? Allow me to encourage you to read Psalms 100. The Apostle Paul said it best in Colossians 3:15, “And let the peace of God rule in your hearts, to the which also ye are called in one body; and be ye thankful.”

Secondly, a mature believer is a person of “prayer.” (Philippians 1:4a) Are you a person of prayer? For whom should we pray? Do you pray for your family, friends, co-workers, church, nation, missionaries and yourself? Do you pray for their salvation and sanctification? Do you pray for their spiritual, physical, mental, and emotional needs? Once again, the Apostle Paul stated it best in Romans 1:9 “ For God is my witness, whom I serve with my spirit in the gospel of his Son, that without ceasing I make mention of you always in my prayers” and also in 1 Thessalonians 5:17 “Pray without ceasing.”

Thirdly, a mature believer is a “joyful” person. (Philippians 1:4b) What do you allow to determine your joy? Where are you searching for joy? Are you searching for it in our culture? Are you searching for it in things? Are you searching for it in the health and wealth gospel? If so, you will be left severely and sadly disappointed. Where does the believer find their true joy? It is found in the fruit of the Spirit, is not determined by circumstances and is found in our strength and faithfulness in the Lord. Nehemiah wrote in the best Biblical book on leadership, “Then he said to them, “Go your way. Eat the fat and drink sweet wine and send portions to anyone who has nothing ready, for this day is holy to our Lord. And do not be grieved, for the joy of the Lord is your strength.” (Nehemiah 8:10)

Are you a thankful person? Are you a person of prayer with and for others? Are you a person of joy? If not, with God’s help you can. Start today! You can be a grown up believer!