2007-03-07 11:51:14 · 6 answers · asked by The Lamb of Vista 3 in Society & Culture ➔ Religion & Spirituality
Yes, I'm mature, I stand firm in my beliefs, I study to grow stronger and more mature. I open my heart to the Holy Spirit to give me more wisdom. Sometimes we receive wisdom through a tough experience, which makes us stronger.
2007-03-07 12:27:27 · answer #1 · answered by Auburn 5 · 1⤊ 0⤋
I don't consider myself mature, but I am farther along than I used to be, thank God!
Interesting questions. I don't know that I've heard anyone ask it quite that way before. But the Bible answers that for you: Someone who is spiritually mature in the faith is well acquainted with the word of God and qualified to teach, skilled in the "meat and potatoes" of the word, and have learned to discern what is good and evil. (Hebrews 5:12-14)
I think one example of being able to discern what is good or evil is being able to discern what is a true or false doctrine. For instance, there are alot of televangelists that tell you to "sow your financial seed" of fifty, or a hundred, or a thousand dollars (whatever) so that you will reap a harvest and God will bless you. Many of their teachings are more subtle than the way I just said it, and some of them sound quite lofty and spiritual. They even make it sound like we're honoring God while we're also trying to purchase His favors.
When I was a spiritual baby in diapers, I used to think some of their sermons were quite "good". Over the years though, as I've studied more of the Word and learned who God is and how He gives freely, I've learned that such teachings are actually evil. Those kinds of teachings that focus on "giving so I can get" actually defame God, and teach me to rely on my own works (or how to work the kingdom principles) apart from God.....instead of being completely dependent upon Him and placing my faith on the Person instead of the principles. Such teachings lead us to believe He "owes" us something because I'm a tither....and on and on it goes. Today I see such teachings for what they are.....crap.
Things that used to look "good" don't look so good anymore. Likewise, there are things I used to consider bad that don't matter so much anymore. I've learned to look less at action and more at heart motives...just as God does. And that may be one example of what the scriptures in Hebrews is talking about. Some evil is quite obvious (think 9/11 or the Holocaust), but sometimes, evil can look very pious and religious and be tied up in a nice righteous sounding package....so it takes some maturity and discernment to recognize that.
(Remember, I'm using that as an example only....not claiming to have "arrived" at maturity, but praise God I've started the trip....)
Anyway, hope this helps answer your question.
2007-03-07 20:22:54 · answer #2 · answered by CassandraM 6 · 0⤊ 0⤋
What makes a person mature in their faith is by how much they are walking in the faith that they have. The more we live by what we know, the more God reveals to us.
2007-03-07 19:55:33 · answer #3 · answered by Deus Luminarium 5 · 1⤊ 1⤋
When you become mature in your faith and your christian walk, you are able to stand up strong in the way of adversities. When you are a 'babe' in Christ, you tend to be less apt to stand strong. That's why we have to grow in the faith that we have chosen.
2007-03-07 19:56:42 · answer #4 · answered by Special K 5 · 1⤊ 0⤋
I used to be a mature fool. Now I am an immature sage. I suppose the main difference is that there is room for me to grow in my beliefs now.
2007-03-07 19:54:57 · answer #5 · answered by Guvo 4 · 1⤊ 1⤋
Uh, I don't believe in fairytales anymore.
CONNNOOOTAATTIIOONNN.
2007-03-07 19:57:07 · answer #6 · answered by NONAME 4 · 0⤊ 2⤋