Feb

23

More On the Value of Maturity

February 23, 2007 |

Yesterday we began looking at the Principle of Maturity. Today we get a little more personal. I guess that’s why this value is so important to me, especially in small groups.

In a small group, we not only have the opportunity to hear, but also to study and interact with God’s Word. We have the opportunity to make ourselves accountable to one another for the truths we learn. And we have the opportunity to integrate those truths into the everyday structures of our lives—into our families, our jobs, and our neighborhoods—in very practical and personal ways. We grow in unity with one another, and in the process, we mature. We grow up. We become adult Christians, capable of discerning truth from error. Capable of defending our beliefs in public or in private. Capable of standing firm in the heat of trials and even persecution. In a small group more than almost any other place, you can experience the conclusion that Paul advocates: “Instead, speaking the truth in love, we will in all things grow up into him who is the Head, that is, Christ.”

This is always my overriding goal as a leader. I hope it’s yours as well.

Although I had been raised in a church, I was 28 years old before I heard the gospel. By then I had adopted far too many of the ways of the world. I managed to pull off a professional look on the outside, but inside I was a mess. My insecurities were reflected in skirts that were too short and necklines that were too deep, language that was too coarse and attitudes that were too harsh. My life was meaningless, despite a national reputation in my field. Suicidal thoughts were my constant companions.

God, in his grace, immediately plunked me into a Christian singles group in San Francisco that used a small group approach. Every meeting incorporated the important elements that lead to growth and maturity. After meeting me, several leaders shook their heads and whispered to one other, “We have a lot of work to do!”

But rather than abandoning me to large group settings or ostracizing me because I didn’t fit in, they lovingly enfolded me in Bible study, discipleship, and service. They grew me up before I knew what was happening. Because of their excellent equipping, I matured quickly and was then able to do the same for others. That group was a perfect example of the role of the Body of Christ in bringing believers to maturity.

“All of us are to attain to this teleios man of Christlikeness. It does not appear as if Paul [in Ephesians 4:11-16] is giving… Christians… the option of remaining spiritual children…. Whatever Christian maturity is, all Christians are obligated to reach it as quickly as possible and all Christian leaders are obligated to help those sheep under their influence to reach that point.”
Jay Grimstead, Let’s Have a Reformation

 

Excerpted from Why Didn’t You Warn Me? How to Deal With Challenging Group Members, Standard Publishing 2007.


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