Friday, November 23, 2007

What is Christian Maturity?

I have recently stated that Christian Maturity is marked by communion and faith in the Gospel. The Gospel is nothing less than the actions of God/God himself. There is also unity of the spirit in Christian Maturity. There is something more than just these things. A mature christian is marked by the knowledge that He does not know God enough.

This seems to be counter-intuitive. A mature christian aught to fully know God, right? This is far from the case. Even though they know a great deal more about Him than others, in their heart and in their lives. God lives in a place that men cannot reach. He lives beyond the veil such that no man has seen God but by faith. They may have come closer but one cannot reach the sun by merely flying. Yet, Oh how I have felt like Icarus at times. God is sure to cause every knee to bow and every tongue confess that Jesus is Lord. Christians who think they know God (as well as non-Christians who don't) at the sight of Him shall bow low and confess Him as Lord.

Mature Christianity is marked by seeking Him out further with a steadfastness that cannot be shaken. These Christians are not content with just communing with a semblance of God that exists in their minds. It is not about continually learning doctrine for such is not knowing God, but having a better picture of Him. God will always show himself to be much greater that such a picture, given that he has a canvas to work off of. These Christians desire spiritual meat to chew on. They wish to commune with the 'real' God who is seated on the throne.

It is towards the God who is incomprehensible that mature Christians must pattern their life and commune/fellowship with on increasing levels of intimacy, based on the Gospel. It is towards God that they must continually seek and long after. It is towards God that they must continually find loving and love finding. It is toward this God that they must realize that they don't/can't know Him enough. He is wholly holy. No one can be a mature christian without realizing and making a habit of seeking him out. This is what I feel is christian maturity. I believe I have yet to reach it. Maybe some day. Yet, no one can truly reach it. Luckily, there is grace to this end. God has a habit of drawing all things to himself by the actions of the Holy Ghost, by the death of the Son, and By the sovereign rule of the Father. Luckily, there is the gospel. Which pretty much says He already has in Christ. God had to do away with sin so that men could have peace with Him once again. So that men may return and be blessed by God. He gifts us the greatest thing. Himself. God is our inheritance.

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