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As we mature as believers, the LIFE of God should become more evident in us & through us. There are many attributes of a mature Christian that are important. But I believe they can be summed up in four important principles. These four principles are "The Four Basic Marks of a Spiritually Mature Christian".
LOVE - Jesus tells us that LOVE is the greatest command. All the law & prophets are summed up in this one principle. We must love God with all our heart, soul, mind, & strength, as well as love our neighbor as our self. Love is what motivates our faith to be effective for us. Faith works by love. The first of the Fruit of the spirit that Paul mentions to the Galations is Love. As we grow in Christ, our growth to maturity will be evident by our growing love for both God & mankind. Study the 13th chapter of First Corinthians to see if you measure up to what love is all about. (Mark 12:30-31; I Cor. 13; Gal. 5)
INTEGRITY - Truly mature Christians should be living lives above reproach, with no hint of dishonesty nor character issues. Adherence to moral and ethical principles as spelled out in Scripture is imperative. The world should see all Christians living lives of virtue and honor.
FAITH - It is faith that makes our prayers effective. Four times in Scripture we read "the just shall live by faith". The writer to the Hebrews goes so far as to say that if it is not faith, it is sin. Truly mature Christians have learned to trust God with all their hearts and to not lean on their own understanding. (He.10 & 11; Pr.3:5; Mk.11:22-24)
EVANGELISM - Obviously, all mature Christians will be involved in the Great Commission of spreading the Good News. We should be so in love with Jesus that we are earnestly involved in promoting His Kingdom in one way or another. Our hearts cry should be world-evangelism, church-missions, and community-outreach. (Mt.28; Mk.16; Ac.1)
THREE L.I.F.E. TOOLS!
You probably noticed that the first letter of these Four Basic Marks of a Spiritually Mature Christian spell LIFE. As we mature in Christ, especially in these four areas, we will begin reflecting the very life of our Master, Jesus Christ. There are three primary tools that God has given us for bringing us to spiritual maturity: The Word of God, The Holy Spirit, & the Church;
The Word of God - This is our primary guide and our source for spiritual nourishment. We are told to study it to show ourselves approved of God. We are also told that it is our spiritual water. Without a regular habit of Bible study spiritual starvation is assured. (He.4:12; II Tm.3:16-17; I Pe.2:2)
The Holy Spirit - Jesus promised that He would send us the Holy Spirit to guide us into all Truth. The Holy Spirit must be active in our lives in order to properly understand Scripture and to live effective Christian lives. (Lk.12:12; Jn.14:26)
The Church - The Church is the body of believers and the vehicle that God has put in place for fulfilling the Great Commission and to bring believers to spiritual maturity. (I Cor.12; Ep.4:11-17; I Pe.2:5-9)
WHY GO TO CHURCH? Here are at least nine reasons to go to church regularly and be submitted to a godly pastor (shepherd/elder).
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