At Bellwood, we began a class study on Spiritual Maturity recently. I am consumed with this topic because I don't think spiritual health and maturity just happen. There are intentional disciplines that must be done on a consistent basis for results to be evidenced (fruit to bear).
I am currently reading a book entitled, "UnChristian - What a new generation thinks about Christianity". It is like holding a mirror up to anyone who claims to be a Christian. The authors surveyed people ages 18-41 to see how they perceived Christians - and it's not good. For the most part, Christians are viewed as being judgmental, too political, anti homosexual, and hypocritical.
In Ephesians 4, the apostle Paul says we are supposed to walk worthy of the calling to which we have been called. We have been called to love, not judge. So what is one way we can become more spiritually mature / healthy?
The book says on page 59 that "spirituality is not measured just by the number of sermons we hear, the piety of our lives, or the goodness of our actions. It's easy to miss the fact that so much of our lives is made up of the simple conversations and interactions we have with people - what is said in the hallway after church, the tone of voice someone uses, the parties you are invited to (or not), the genuineness of people's concern".
The way we react and respond to people and to their life circumstances is one measure of our spiritual maturity. Before we act or speak, may we bring every thought captive unto the obedience of Christ so that we are led by His Spirit. Maybe little by little, we will not only change the image that people have of Christians, but we ourselves will be more conformed to His image. Amen?
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