Our English dictionary would describe ‘maturity’ as being ‘thoroughly developed.’ We look at children and praise them for actions which display movement toward maturity. We gaze into the mirror and quickly see how God is maturing our bodies, whether we like it or not. We watch years pass by us so rapidly and see others become thoroughly developed by the things we observe. In all the development we and others do in the physical realms, we, the believer, should be able to catch a glimpse of what the Lord expects of us in the spiritual realm as well.
Eugene Peterson has written a paraphrase of the Bible and in 1 Peter he puts it like this:
“Make a clean sweep of malice and pretense, envy and hurtful talk. You’ve had a taste of God. Now, like infants at the breast, drink deep of God’s pure kindness. Then you’ll grow up mature and whole in God.” 1 Peter 2:1 The Message
The New Testament thought of maturing in that passage means to continue on increasing in ways of God so that we might become more like the God who saves us. We are expected to grow and mature in our journey with our heavenly Father. Sometimes I just need the reminder of my God’s expectations, and I need to find a way to accomplish that goal.
Could I share one way we can all move that direction? There are times in our growing up that we just have to look back so we can travel forward. We look back and remember God’s faithfulness in the past and His promises in the future. If we will devote the time to thanking God for his power and faithfulness, we will be reminded of His willingness to intervene in our current situations. Psalm 41:12 lets us know we are always in the presence of God. What a great catalyst to send us on a road to maturity.
This week is another opportunity for us to gather our hearts around the faithful, unchanging Word of the Father and see how He is going to move us onward and upward. Have a delightful week in the presence of the Living Lord, Jesus Christ.
Mike
