Like children, Christians grow up. If they don’t, something is wrong. How can you know if you are maturing as a Christian? Ask yourself the following three questions:
Am I listening?
About this we have much to say, and it is hard to explain, since you have become dull of hearing. (Hebrews 5:11)
Are you dull of hearing or diligent of hearing? When you’re in church are you taking notes or taking a nap? Maturing Christians listen to God with diligent ears.
Am I learning?
For though by this time you ought to be teachers, you need someone to teach you again the basic principles of the oracles of God. You need milk, not solid food… (Hebrews 5:12)
A Christian + Time = A Teacher. Maybe not a formal teacher, but one who is learning and thus increasingly able to teach through brotherly advice, daily example and willing explanation of his faith in Jesus. Maturing Christians learn.
Am I discerning?
…for everyone who lives on milk is unskilled in the word of righteousness, since he is a child. But solid food is for the mature, for those who have their powers of discernment trained by constant practice to distinguish good from evil. (Hebrews 5:13-14)
Do you decide what is best in light of scripture? Maturing Christians live daily life with open Bibles.
I Can’t Believe How You’ve Grown
Run into someone you knew as a child, but haven’t seen for years and it is a shock. Since you missed their slow growth, it seems instant to you. The last time you saw them they were in diapers and now they’re engaged!
If someone knew you in your first years as a Christian, then didn’t see you for years, would they be similarly shocked at your spiritual growth?
