"Maturity"

  One of the greatest things we need to remember is the faith you have must be your faith. It must be your faith formed from your conviction because of the word of God (Rom. 14:22-23). Some people in the church try to bully others into things they don't want to do. Preachers can whip the brethren to try to guilt them into praying, giving or being involved in programs set up but that doesn't make them pray, give or be involved. That shames them to be involved which is not from faith. Many guilt others into reading their Bibles but that doesn't breed a faith that will lovingly embrace the truth. Guilt is used is so many wrong ways to motivate people. What are we left with when we operate the church of our Lord like this? A bunch of immature, faithless and weak people. There's a great difference between encouraging people and guilting people to conform for fear of being ostracized.

  Paul encouraged the Corinthian brethren to: "Be on the alert, stand firm in the faith, act like men, be strong." (I Cor. 16:13) It is an encouragement to grow up and be mature but how does one do that? Maturity is not gained by forcing or guilting people. Maturity is a response of faith because you choose it from within. It's completely your choice. It's not doing something because you have told me to do it that way. It is my faith, my behavior being expressed from my heart as distinct from what I do to gain your favor!

  Look at when we approach someone to serve in the assembly. We make them feel 'unChirstlike' if they choose not to serve. They are intimidated by the one asking. It's not their choice, left to their choice. They are made to feel like rebels or faithless. (And where did Jesus ever say one would be lost for not serving in His assembly?)

  For us to mature, it is more than orthodox or approved conduct. It must be from my faith and my choice! That's the sure way to grow. There are weak people in the church and weaknesses isn't condemned. In fact, Paul points that the weak are necessary and are given more honor from God (I Cor. 12:24).  Maturity and personal growth is more than giving memorized answers and conforming to someones demands. It is the ability to weigh in the heart from faith what needs to be for you, the individual in light of Jesus. Sometimes we must step out of our comfort zone because of our faith in Christ. That's maturity! Sometimes we say 'no' because we aren't ready. That's maturity! Sometimes we forfeit our rights for the sake of others. That's maturity! Whatever we do, never live on another's convictions or carried along by their convictions without being fully persuaded in your heart of faith!