What do fruit and our children have in common? We desire them both to mature over time. Who wants an unripe bag of avocadoes? That’s frustrating! Who wants their thirty-year-old son or daughter stuck in a place where they cannot tie their shoe, drive a car, or work a job? That would be difficult! The desire for maturity is a natural one that originates with our Creator. As we desire it in our children, so too does He desire it in us.

In reading through parts of a book called The Juvenilization of American Christianity, it was sad to read about the immaturity that has developed in American churches over the last one hundred years. Thomas Bergler writes, “As they listen to years of simplified messages that emphasize an emotional relationship with Jesus over intellectual content, teenagers learn that a well-articulated belief system is unimportant and might even become an obstacle to authentic faith.”¹ Statements like this are heartbreaking as the head is cast aside for the heart; knowledge cast aside for emotion. And in the process maturity is cast aside for immaturity. Progress in the Christian faith requires both the heart and the mind (Rom. 12:2; Matt. 22:37).

Maturity means moving forward

In writing the letter of Hebrews, the pastor, who is dealing with people leaning back into Judaism, exhorts his readers to move on to maturity (Heb. 6:1). That is to say here, build on the foundational truths you have been given (William Lane). Foundational truths are essential, but they are the beginning of something more. Believing in Jesus as Lord and Savior is essential; nonetheless, there is more to understand about His ministry and person; past, present, and future.

God does not desire that you learn the basics of the faith and then plop down on a spiritual couch for the rest of your days. In the same that we do not desire our children to learn the ABC’s and never revisit the English language again. God desires further sanctification with His truth. And the reality is we need this. Let us not be content to swim in the shallow end when we have a God who makes us to swim in the biggest oceans imaginable.

Maturity means discernment

Maturing is not just about knowledge though, but discernment with that knowledge. God desires our maturity that we may know right from wrong (Heb. 5:14) and walk in His righteousness. Progressing in the depth of our faith enables us to handle the complex situations we are confronted with for God’s glory.

As I progress in my life as a husband, a father, and a pastor, I am continually met with my need for God’s grace to mature me so that I can handle the complex situations that come my way. I’m thankful for His maturation process in my life. It is uncomfortable at times, but the fruit He bears is always worth it.

Maturity means unity

Maturing is not just about us, but about the body of Christ. God desires the whole body to mature in the knowledge of the faith and so come together in unity in their understanding of Jesus (Eph. 4:13). Growing in the knowledge of Jesus matures us not just to grow and discern, but to live together, love one another, and grow into “the measure of the stature which belongs to the fullness of Christ” (Eph. 4:14).

Maturity recognizes itself as one part of a much bigger body, where everyone together best reflects Jesus Christ. Let us therefore desire not simply our maturity, but the maturity of those around us. We will all be better off for it, and our Lord will be better represented.

Questions to Consider:

1. Am I growing beyond the foundational truths of the faith? If not, why is that?
2. Do I exemplify maturity in my faith towards others? Or would others characterize me as immature? What is one step you can take today to better exemplify maturity in your faith?

Actions:

Read a pastorally recommended book (or chapters within) that will grow your understanding of the faith.

Examples:

• Knowing God by J.I. Packer
• Knowledge of the Holy by A.W. Tozer
• Systematic Theology by Wayne Grudem
• Biblical Doctrine by John MacArthur and Richard Mayhue