Only the spiritually mature can be fully present to lead others to Jesus. How clear is your witness? The truth is, God calls us all to grow in spiritual maturity. The writer to the Hebrews urges us to; “leave the elementary teachings about Christ and go onto maturity,” (Heb 6:1a) God is working with us so that; “we may be conformed into the likeness of His Son” (Romans 8:29) Maturity is not about our age, academic ability, accomplishments or even how much experience we have had. It can only come when we work God’s Word into our hearts. Let’s consider what the letter of James says about spiritual maturity.
1. LEARN TO FACE TRIALS WITH JOY
“Consider it pure joy, my brothers, whenever you face trials of many kinds, because you know that the testing of your faith develops perseverance. Perseverance must finish its work so that you may be mature and complete, not lacking anything.” (James 1:2-4) James says that you can only face trials with joy when you have faith in your all-sufficient Saviour. Troubles and challenges do a refining work that burns up unbelief and makes you more mature and complete – more like Jesus
2. LEARN TO BE SENSITIVE TO OTHERS
If you really keep the royal law found in Scripture, “Love your neighbour as yourself,” you are doing right.” (James 2:8) Immature people are completely self-focused. So, to grow in maturity we have to intentionally focus on the needs of others over our own. Jesus teaches us that we will be judged for how we treat others when He said; “‘I tell you the truth, whatever you did for one of the least of these brothers and sisters of mine, you did for me.’ (Matthew 25:40)
3. LEARN TO MASTER YOUR MOUTH
“We all stumble in many ways. If anyone is never at fault in what he says, he is a perfect man, able to keep his whole body in check.” (James 3:2) James gives three severe illustrations of the power of the tongue. It’s like a bit in a horse’s mouth (3:3), a rudder on a ship (3:4) or a spark for a fire (3:5-6) He adds; “no man can tame the tongue. It is a restless evil, full of deadly poison.” (3:8) Therefore, we have to learn not to get involved in gossip, spreading rumors, sarcasm, negative talk or rude joking. Instead, we are to speak to one another in love to build each other up.
4. LEARN TO BE A PEACEMAKER
“What causes fights and quarrels among you? Don’t they come from your desires that battle within you? You want something but don’t get it. You kill and covet, but you cannot have what you want. You quarrel and fight. You do not have, because you do not ask God.” (James 4:1,2) We all know how easy it is to make trouble and strife. This shows us our immaturity. selfishness, envy and a judgmental spirit stifle us from maturing. So, we are to avoid these and learn to focus on what leads to peace.
5. LEARN TO BE PATIENT AND PRAYERFUL
“Be patient, then, brothers, until the Lord’s coming. See how the farmer waits for the land to yield its valuable crop and how patient he is for the autumn and spring rains. You too, be patient and stand firm, because the Lord’s coming is near.” (James 5:7,8) Patience and prayerfulness go together in a mature believer because they require complete dependence on God. We have to learn to allow God to work on our hearts, discover our gifts and serve others with them for His glory.