Christian Writers Circle

Maturity in Christ

by Judy Hitson

1 Peter 1: 9 NIV for you are receiving the goal of your faith, the salvation of your souls.

What does it mean to be mature in Christ?

Do you remember how Paul wrote to the Corinthians about milk and meat of the word?           (I Cor. 3: 2 NKJV). He compares the spiritual to the natural. A babe in Christ drinks milk and matures to eat meat like a child does with a daily diet through the maturing process. We understand the natural; the Lord reveals a spiritual diet by the Spirit for us. We will look into this with other Bible passages this year.

Have you considered the salvation of your soul regarding your mind, will and emotions?

As Christians, we may talk about being born again, about our conversion experience or being Spirit filled. It is vital to know Christ by His Spirit who gives life, John 6: 63; 2 Cor. 3: 6, and grow in Christ from a babe to maturity. We experience the indwelling of God’s Spirit in our spirit to the transformation of our mind, will and emotions as we surrender ourselves to Jesus Christ.

What does it look like?

I ask, Do others see Jesus in you? That is what it looks like to be mature in Christ. It is Christ in you the hope of glory, the mystery revealed, Col. 1: 27.  It may sound simplistic but there is a depth we learn as we grow in the Spirit and give glory to Jesus Christ, our Lord and our God.

How is your thought life?

Phil. 4: 8 explains the things we are to think on. I remember with Precept Ministries International, Kay Arthur taught us to frisk our thoughts with Philippians 4: 8. It is a good spiritual exercise. If you struggle with your thought life, perhaps this would be a good exercise for your spirit and soul. God tells us in this verse through Paul, eight things to think on.      Finally, brothers and sisters, whatever is true, whatever is noble, whatever is right,      whatever is pure, whatever is lovely, whatever is admirable — if anything is excellent      or praiseworthy — think about such things. Philippians 4: 8 NIV  

Do you have the will to mature in Christ?

Jesus Christ is the only standard for our Christian faith. He has given us a free will to make choices, right or wrong. He will guide us by His Spirit to maturity as we are willing to follow Him. That is to the goal of our faith, the salvation of our souls.