8/1/2022

Are you spiritually mature?  How do you know?  Rick Warren has identified five marks of spiritual maturity based on the teaching of the New Testament book of James.

A spiritually mature person . . .

1.  Is positive under pressure.  “Dear brothers and sisters, when troubles of any kind come your way, consider it an opportunity for great joy.  For you know that when your faith is tested, your endurance has a chance to grow.  So let it grow, for when your endurance is fully developed, you will be perfect and complete, needing nothing.”  James 1:2-4 (NLT)

Just because you become a Christ-follower doesn’t mean you won’t face troubles.  The question isn’t whether you’ll experience problems; it’s about how you respond to them.  Do you get nervous, uptight, or negative?  Do you grumble?

You can be full of Bible knowledge and still be grumpy while under pressure.  A mature Jesus-follower can be under stress and still be joyful.

2.  Is sensitive to people.  “It is good when you obey the royal law as found in the Scriptures:  ‘Love your neighbor as yourself.’”  James 2:8 (NLT)

When children are immature, they are completely self-focused.  But mature people don’t just see their needs; they see the needs of others also.

3.  Has mastered his mouth.  “If a person thinks that he is religious but can’t control his tongue, he is fooling himself.  That person’s religion is worthless.” James 1:26 (GW)

Gossip, spreading rumors, and constant negative talk are signs you’re immature in the faith.

4.  Is a peacemaker, not a troublemaker.  “What causes fights and quarrels among you?  Don’t they come from your desires that battle within you?” (James 4:1 NIV)

We all know Christians who make trouble more than they make peace.  James tells us selfishness and judgmentalism are the two biggest sources of conflict in our lives.  Both prevent us from the Christ-like maturity Jesus asks us to pursue.  Pride keeps us from admitting we’re wrong.  Judgmentalism puts us in the place of God.

Christian maturity means learning to say “no” to a selfish, judgmental attitude.

5.  Is patient and prayerful.  “Be patient, then, brothers and sisters, until the Lord’s coming.  See how the farmer waits for the land to yield its valuable crop, patiently waiting for the autumn and spring rains.  You too, be patient and stand firm, because the Lord’s coming is near.” James 5:7-8 (NIV)

Patience and prayerfulness go together.  They both express an attitude of dependence upon God that marks a mature believer.