Becoming a Mature Christian
Following up on a previous post, I feel there are a few areas that we, in this very technological age, are ignorant in even though they are so basic.
1) Knowing God's Word
In church world, we often encourage members to bring their Bibles so they can read along and also get in the habit of being in the Word. What's been happening though is that those who do bring it often leave it behind. A lot of times the passage for the message is shown on displays anyway, so it's no wonder that many do not choose to lug around their brick of a Bible to church.
I've been debating this thought whether to encourage people bring their Bibles to church in the first place. Why? Because those who are already in the Word will probably bring their Bibles anyway and those who don't, we need to do a better job of helping them get in the habit.
But the what isn't as important as the why. It's important to get in the Word because many of the simplest questions you may have about God can be answered if you just took the time to search it out yourselves. It's good to have questions, but the reason many people doubt and are skeptical is simply because they do not have enough information. They may hear it, they may be taught, but we all know that unless we take it upon ourselves, no matter how many times it's been communicated, our ears aren't really open if our hearts and our minds are not engaged.
I listen to a few pastors on podcasts - Erwin McManus, Francis Chan, Andy Stanley, Mark Batterson - and I can't keep track of who said what, but I know one of them said that you'd better know what you are giving up before you choose otherwise. Not to say that reading alone will answer everything, but it's a start!
If you have never read the Bible, or are interested in reading through it, I highly recommend a one year Bible reading plan.
2) Mutual Respect
I absolutely hate it when people share other people's struggles in the form of a prayer. Confidentiality means "zip the lip" unless there is a situation in which that person is going to bring lethal or dangerous harm to another person or themselves. No need to Facebook or Twitter it. Mutual respect can also help cure gossip.
3) Boundaries
People say they are always busy. If you don't have time, make time. I say that I am busy a lot, but most of the time it's because I just haven't planned ahead or have been using my time wisely enough. We also have to be able to say no to some things in order to say yes to the things that not only bring us joy, but serves a purpose beyond ourselves. Nice segue for the next post...
