Mature Disciples

In our walk with Christ, we often focus on the moment of salvation - that pivotal point when we first believe and commit our lives to Jesus. But what comes after? How do we grow from new believers into mature disciples? This journey of Christian maturity is not just a personal endeavor but a collective calling for the entire body of Christ.

The Great Commission, found in Matthew 28:18-20, provides a roadmap for this journey: "Go therefore and make disciples of all nations, baptizing them in the name of the Father and of the Son and of the Holy Spirit, teaching them to observe all that I have commanded you." This passage reveals that the call to follow Jesus is only the beginning. It's always followed by His commission to go and make disciples.

But what happens between the initial call to follow and the commission to go? This is where the process of maturing comes into play. Jesus doesn't just want us to find people, share an evangelistic appeal, get them to pray, baptize them, and then leave them to figure out the rest on their own. He has a plan for every disciple to grow and mature in their faith.

Christian maturity can be defined as Christ-likeness in all of life, expressed in our worship, membership, ministry, and mission. It's not just about acquiring biblical knowledge, having longevity in the church, or holding a leadership position. True maturity is about becoming more like Christ in our thoughts, actions, and motivations.

This maturity is God's will for His people. Romans 8:28-29 reminds us that "for those who love God all things work together for good, for those who are called according to his purpose. For those whom he foreknew he also predestined to be conformed to the image of his Son." Every circumstance in our lives, whether joyful or challenging, is working towards this purpose of conforming us to Christ's image.

Importantly, while Christian maturity is God's work in us, it's also our responsibility as followers of Christ. Philippians 2:12-13 exhorts us to "work out your own salvation with fear and trembling, for it is God who works in you, both to will and to work for his good pleasure." We are called to actively participate in our growth, trusting that as we strive after maturity, God will meet us and mature us.

This journey of maturity is not a solo sport but a team effort. The church plays a crucial role in helping believers grow. Ephesians 4:11-13 outlines how God has given various roles within the church "to equip the saints for the work of ministry, for building up the body of Christ, until we all attain to the unity of the faith and of the knowledge of the Son of God, to mature manhood, to the measure of the stature of the fullness of Christ."

So how do we pursue this maturity practically? It involves a holistic approach that engages our head, heart, and hands:

1. Head Knowledge: We need to deepen our understanding of God's Word and theological truths. This isn't just about accumulating information, but about gaining wisdom that shapes our worldview and decision-making.
2. Heart Transformation: As we learn about God, our hearts should be moved to worship and devotion. The goal is not just to know about God, but to know Him personally and love Him more deeply.
3. Hands in Action: True maturity is evidenced by how we live out our faith. It's about putting into practice what we've learned and experienced, serving others, and participating in God's mission.

The lifelong pursuit of Christian maturity is both a privilege and a responsibility. It's God's will for us, His work in us, and our cooperative effort with Him and His church. So, let’s embrace it together and recognize that in every circumstance and season of life, we get to become more like Christ!