Bible Question: Regarding Christian Service, Who is called to maturity within the body of believers? |
Bible Answer: The whole Chapter of Matt 5 is really applicable, indeed the whole Sermon on the Mount. Matt 5:43 "You have heard that it was said, 'YOU SHALL LOVE YOUR NEIGHBOR and hate your enemy.' Matt 5:44 "But I say to you, love your enemies and pray for those who persecute you, Matt 5:45 so that you may be sons of your Father who is in heaven; for He causes His sun to rise on the evil and the good, and sends rain on the righteous and the unrighteous. Matt 5:46 "For if you love those who love you, what reward do you have? Do not even the tax collectors do the same? Matt 5:47 "If you greet only your brothers, what more are you doing than others? Do not even the Gentiles do the same? Matt 5:48 "Therefore you are to be perfect, as your heavenly Father is perfect. But the most applicable verse to your question is the last, verse 48. Here the Greek word for perfect really meant mature or complete, and remember Christ was speaking to a very huge crowd of people. He wasn't just speaking to the leaders or the older members of the audience. Thus He and His Father both want all His children to grow up spiritually in Them. Of course that means different things to different people. To a smoker, it might mean giving up tobacco. To a drinker or a drug abuser, it means giving up those addictions. To anyone who has anything standing in between he/she and their Lord and Master, that thing must be discarded or at the very least take "second chair" as in a spouse. To someone who's shy and and not particularly fond of speaking in public, it would show great maturity for that person to aspire to be a teacher. For others who have a big mouth and say too much like me, it's a great thing for us to learn to keep our mouths shut and just learn from someone like that new teacher just mentioned. My spouse and I have learned something a little unusual in our travels. We've learned NOT to particpate in every facet of the congregation, even those areas that you may have a talent, IF that particular ministry is already being filled by someone else who's doing a fine job. It took a long time for me to learn this but we must ocassionally let someone else's talents shine especially when they need to perform that service or ministry for their Lord. So again, I say we must allow folks to mature at their own rate in accordance with the talents and motivation that the Lord provides. We should see ourselves as the Lord's assistant but at His bidding AND at His timing. The real test of growth in this refining process by our Lord is for us to "get out of our comfort zones." That's the only way to experience real and substantial growth in our christian walk of faith. Lastly, the ultimate sign of maturity in the Lord is to show Agape type love (like God's love) and to show that love without conditions and to show much tolerance and patience to our fellow human beings. We've all got defects, bumps and bruises we've picked up along the way and only the Lord can make us truly perfect when go Home with Him in the life hereafter. I hope this helps. Blessings to you. Country Girl |
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Questions and/or Subjects for NT general Archive 1 | Author | ||
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dcpmom | ||
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tootie1820 | ||
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New Creature | ||
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geof | ||
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geof | ||
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DocTrinsograce | ||
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WilBo | ||
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Wah Hong | ||
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WomanOfGod4life | ||
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tgbishop | ||
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Country Girl |