| Signs of Spiritual Immaturity Ben Justice |
The inspired Hebrews’ writer spoke of those who “ought to be teachers,” but
because they had not developed spiritual maturity, they were in need of being
taught “again which be the first principles of the oracles of God” (Heb. 5:12).
In Heb. 6:1, the inspired writer admonished the Hebrew Christians,
“Therefore leaving the principles of the doctrine of Christ, let us go on unto
perfection; . . .” The principle is clearly seen: God expects Christians to
mature.
The maturing process as a Christian is manifested and seen in a variety
of ways. With each passing day, I should see myself maturing more and more
in Christ. However, it is truly unfortunate when Christians do not mature.
Instead, they remain immature. Spiritual immaturity is seen in a variety of
ways. Consider the following signs.
First, a lack of Bible knowledge will be evident. It is truly a shame when
Christians do not even know the basic facts of Christianity. For example, how
many members of the church consider the church as just another
denomination? How many can’t give book, chapter, and verse for God’s plan
of salvation? How many members of the church don’t know why instrumental
music in worship is not used, or why we partake of the Lord’s Supper every
first day of the week, or why we do not tithe? Some need to go back to
kindergarten and learn the fundamentals all over again. Peter commanded,
“But sanctify the Lord God in your hearts: and be ready always to give an
answer to every man that asketh you a reason of the hope that is in you with
meekness and fear” (I Pet. 3:15). Sadly, many can’t do this, and seemingly
don’t even bother with it.
Second, another sign is when members of the church habitually miss the
services of the church. Those who desire to be spiritually mature will make
every effort to be at every service of the church. When one forsakes the
services, they have missed opportunities to learn more of the word of God and
therefore mature in Christ.
Third, sometimes it is the case that brethren are covetous. They really
hate to have to give to the work of the Lord. They can’t seem to understand
that it takes money to carry out the work of the church. When brethren start
complaining about the money that is needed to begin and carry out a project,
it is a sign of spiritual immaturity.
Fourth, emotionalism is almost always prevalent with spiritually
immature brethren. Subjectivism instead of objectivism is what controls their
lives. Their faith rests upon how they feel, rather than a “thus saith the
Lord.” Too many brethren wear their feelings on their sleeves.
Fifth, gossip is often characteristic of spiritual immaturity. Gossip is
characteristic of the world and should never be named among the people of
God, but some seem to delight in it.
Sixth, rudeness in Bible classes is something that the spiritually
immature do. I have personally taught Bible classes wherein some brethren
were just down right rude. They are always looking to be antagonistic and
taking exception with practically everything that is said. It is not that they
have any real conviction or want to engage in meaningful study. It is just that
they want to be cantankerous.
Seventh, another sign is when members of the church put down the
church before non-Christians. How many brethren “go off” on the church (say
the preacher, the elders, the deacons, a Bible class teacher, or anyone in the
church) to those who are not even members of the Lord’s church? This is
something that really bothers me. It shows an incredible depth of spiritual
immaturity.
Eighth, engaging in things that are accepted as normal and legitimate by
the world but are condemned by the Word of God. People of the world see
nothing wrong with dancing, dressing immodestly, mixed swimming, social
drinking, and gambling. These things are readily accepted by society. When
brethren begin to argue that such things are perfectly permissible for
Christians, even after having been shown from God’s word that such things
are sinful, it’s a sure sign of spiritual immaturity. When a brother or sister
does what he/she wants to do regardless, \you have a spiritually immature
person on your hands
Ninth, when brethren have been in the church for 20 or 30 years and still
can’t say a prayer, it is a sign of spiritual immaturity. People who can pray
well in public is a sure sign that they have had much practice in private.
Prayer is a spiritual blessing that every child of God has. Sadly, many
brethren hardly ever pray.
Tenth, when brethren are always making excuses to be useful in the
church, it is a sign of spiritual immaturity. It is truly unfortunate when some
are always looking for a way out to be involved in the work of the Lord.
The signs of spiritual immaturity are manifold. We as Christians must
mature in Christ. We must not stay on the plane of mediocrity, for to be
mediocre is to be immature. Maturing in Christ is a wonderful blessing. “Let
us go on unto perfection.”
http://www.sullivancoc.com/13feb2005.html
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