| “He is the one we proclaim” |
| —Colossians 1:28a |
Recently, I observed five men enjoying themselves at a popular restaurant. The booze flowed freely. It wasn’t long before they began to behave like randy teenagers. They spoke loudly and suggestively to the female bartender. They made passes at several women sitting nearby. In short, fueled by alcohol, they acted like immature jerks.
I couldn’t help but think of the old excuse: “Boys will be boys.” But they weren’t boys. They were grown men in their forties and fifties who forgot what it means to be mature. They made the dining experience unpleasant for the staff and for the other patrons. When they finally left the restaurant, someone began to applaud, and soon the whole room was clapping loudly, celebrating the men’s departure.
In the world of “Christ’s-ones,” maturity—spiritual maturity—is an important mark of growth in an individual’s spiritual formation. Collectively, it is also an important quality for a body of believers, a church. The Apostle Paul wrote these words in Colossians 1:27-28:
To them God has chosen to make known among the Gentiles the glorious riches of this mystery, which is Christ in you, the hope of glory.
He is the one we proclaim, admonishing and teaching everyone with all wisdom, so that we may present everyone fully mature in Christ.
Paul desired to promote spiritual maturity among those for whom he was responsible. Do our pastors or spiritual leaders promote spiritual maturity? Or, do they try to keep us dependent spiritual babies who need their parental care?
Let us determine this day to do everything we can to become spiritually mature. Let’s set aside time each day to read the Bible and pray. Let’s make certain we attend a church where we receive healthy spiritual food. And, let’s exercise our spiritual maturity by lovingly sharing what God has done for us, through Christ, whenever the Holy Spirit prompts us to do so.
Based on a blog originally posted on Wednesday, April 20, 2016
