What is a Mature Christian?

Earlier this week we discussed the importance of discipleship in the church. In the post I clarified what should be a primary aim of all churches: to help all Christians grow in to spiritual maturity. That post, however, begged a very serious question: what is a spiritually mature Christian? Do we judge spiritual maturity by knowledge of the Scriptures, length of time a person has been a Christian, Christlike character, or offices held in the church? Is it even possible to judge whether or not someone is a mature Christian?

The answer to the last question will help us answer the previous questions. Yes, it is possible to judge whether or not someone is a mature Christian. In fact in several passages of Scripture, we are commanded to do so. Scripture is clear that we are to carefully examine prospectve candidates for the positions of pastor/elder, deacon, and teacher in the church. When those passages are considered, three primary areas of measurement are provided.

First is chronology. An example of time's importance can be found in 1 Timothy. When Paul advised Timothy about pastor/elder selection, he stated that the candidate should not be a recent convert, because a recent convert would not be mature enough for the position. These qualifications (with the exception of ability to teach) are not unique to pastors. Men were to be selected that exemplified Christian ideals for the rest of the church, so we can learn a universal truth from this passage. The emphasis on time does not mean that everyone who has been a Christian for twenty years is mature. It merely reminds us that we do not mature as Christians over night. It takes time to grow in grace. Sanctification is both instantaneous and progressive for the Christian. That is, there is a sense in which we are "set apart" for God's purposes at the time we are saved (instant). The Christian also grows in sanctification over time. As individuals grow in their relationship with Christ, they are increasingly set apart (intentional split infinitive for you grammar nazis) for God's purposes. This reality is accomplished in two ways. First, as we grow in both our understanding of what God desires for us and our obedience to those desires we mature. Second, as we encounter trials in life and persevere through them we mature (See James 1). Just because one has been a Christian for a long time does not imply that they are spiritually mature. This short statement by Paul just reminds us that growth takes time. If you are a young Christian struggling in your walk with God, just continue to invest yourself in the practice of the spiritual disciplines and persevere through hardship. Growth will come.

A second area of measurement when considering the question of spiritual maturity is knowledge of the Scriptures. We must be careful when we discuss this topic. Scripture does not teach that knowledge of God's Word is equivalent to spiritual maturity. In fact, the New Testament is replete with examples of of men who knew the Scriptures well but were, in fact, a long way from a close relationship with God. One need only read Jesus' numerous critiques of the Pharisees to see that knowledge does not equal maturity. The fact that someone can know the Scriptures and not be mature does not alleviate the importance of learning the Scriptures. The Word of God is central to our growth as Christians (Romans 12.1-2; Colossians 1.25-29, etc). We must grow in our knowledge of God's Word, but we must resist the temptation to become Pharisaical in our approach to such knowledge. This last statement leads us to the third are of measurement when considering the question of spiritual maturity.

The third area of measurement is spiritual fruit. Jesus taught us that we would be able to tell the genuine from the counterfeit by spiritual fruit (Matthew 7). Jesus taught that someone that does not produce Christlike fruit is not a Christian! Spiritual fruit is produced over time as the Word of God is learned, applied, and internalized by those that have been redeemed. This reality is what separates the Pharisee from the mature Christian. Both have knowledge of the Word of God, but the mature Christian has internalized it and begun to produce the fruit of a Christlike character: love, joy, peace, patience, kindness, goodness, faithfulness, gentleness, and self-control (Galatians 5.22-23). These character qualities are not the only ones mentioned as spiritual fruit in the New Testament, but they definitely give us a head start in developing an understanding of what fruit looks like. If we were going to try to visualize what the process looks like, we can imagine an equation:

Knowledge of God's Word + Internalization + Obedience + Time and Trials = Spiritual Maturity (The production of spiritual fruit).

Now I know the equation is not perfect, but it does provide a little help for someone that may not have considered previously the question of spiritual maturity and growth. One last note, although we are required to study and obey and to place ourselves in a position to grow spiritually, ultimately spiritual growth is grace gift from God. We will not all grow at the same rate or in the same way. God is sovereign and He will graciously decide how He will bless in accordance with our obedience to His commands.

What do you think? Have I missed anything? I have tried to keep the post short, so I could not go into as much depth as I would have liked. Has this post raised any questions you would like answered? Feel free to ask. I look forward to the discussion.

Chris