From Redemption, to Maturity

Maturity may be defined as a "State of being brought by natural processes to completeness of growth and development" or "pertaining to a condition of full development as a man of mature years." The natural processes which lead to maturity can be hindered or helped.

There is within every man, a hunger to find his reason and purpose for being. Much of the restlessness among all people is caused by a search for life's meaning. Every person needs a goal and as long as man remains apart from God, his desire for spiritual growth cannot be fulfilled. Our denial of this need to know and serve the Creator is an act of sin that prevents spiritual maturity.

We can really see that every person is born with a pressing need to be growing toward a goal. Often, a person feels this need in terms of schooling, wealth, or status and promotion. In truth, this need can only be satisfied with a proper relationship with God. It is not enough to just know him, or to ask him to forgive our sins. There must be a shift from the redemption phase, to actual maturity. The growth process enables us to be become more and more like Him. As we spend time with him, we learn more about what he requires of us and it becomes easier to follow his will.

Jesus came into our world as a revelation of God's concern that we find our true purpose. Jesus is the model of the correct "God-man" relationship. His wholeness was the result of a life lived in correct relationship with His Source. His life, death and resurrection opened the way for man to truly fulfil his purpose. What sin robbed from us, Christ restored.

What is most important for us to remember, is that as Christians, our walk must always be characterised by growth. There must be movement towards the character of Christ. One should be able to look back at life and notice change and find a greater level of maturity in some way shape or form. My encouragement to us all, is to strive for growth, identify the areas in your life that require a bit more maturity and work on them, one at a time if need be. Remember though, that Christ is the catalyst for growth. Christian maturity can only truly happen with his involvement.

Joana James - Author of Nightmare at Emerald High & Alana and Alyssa's Secret