Transforming Church

In the NRSV, the word “mature” appears seven times and the word “maturity” appears once. These occurrences, all found in the New Testament, draw upon the same Greek word (teleio) which suggests movement, value, and purpose. This maturity displays “consummate human integrity and virtue” in its journey toward an ideal wholeness with intentional activity.

Use your senses. Image a cantaloupe that is ripening well. Can you smell a hint of the rich refreshing aroma beginning to appear? Picture a woman who is about six months pregnant. Can you see how her body has changed, yet you also know that the child within her is still too young to be born? Imagine now animals raising their young as they hunt for food, build their homes, communicate with their offspring and protect their family. In each instance, there is movement, value and purpose.

In examining the eight scripture texts that use “mature” or “maturity,” we encounter four truths that are integral to transformation—patient endurance, full trust in God, discerning clarity, and a desire to present others as mature in Christ.

• Patient Endurance: In the parable of the sower (Luke 8:13-15), maturity requires patient endurance. Too often we are choked by the cares, riches and pleasures of life. We like quick fixes and instant gratification. However, mature people continue to look to the Word of God—receiving it with joy and holding it fast. In distinguishing what truly gives life and in letting our patient endurance have its full effect (Jas. 1:3-5), a transforming maturity evolves.

• Full Trust in God: Biblical maturity also entails a depth and breadth of trusting in God. Though we believe in God, many times we simply are giving a nod to God when it is convenient or easy or prudent. In contrast, a mature person speaks of God’s secret and hidden wisdom (1 Cor. 2:5-7)—no matter what alternative messages others might be heralding. He or she stands fully assured in everything that God wills (Col. 4:11-13)—no matter what difficulty might be present. Maturity also moves a person to press on toward the heavenly call of God in Christ Jesus (Phil. 3:14-16)—no matter what might lie in the past. As we fully and maturely trust God—even in the midst of mystery, pain, and risk—transformation surfaces.

• Discerning Clarity: Scriptural maturity evokes a discerning clarity that is based on being skilled in the word of righteousness. The mature are described as “those whose faculties have been trained by practice to distinguish good from evil” (Heb. 5:13-14). Too often we are overly trusting and accepting of ourselves and others instead of recognizing self-imposed dramas, speaking the truth in love, and being accountable. Maturity entails being able to see through whims, trickery, and lies of individuals (including ourselves) and of our culture. This discerning clarity is accompanied by sadness in recognizing sin, by temptations to despair or pride, and by hope in trusting the hidden ways of God. Transformation happens as we embrace reality in order to discern that which is full truth and grace—and that which is not.

• Desiring to Present Others as Mature in Christ: With a goal of proclaiming Christ, mature people desire to present others as mature in Christ. Notice that they do not make it about themselves. It is about others and Christ. Also notice that mature people cannot make others mature, wish them mature, or pretend that they are mature. What they can do, though, is warn people and teach them wisdom (Col. 1:28) as well as equip them for ministry in a unity of the faith (Eph. 4:12-14). Even as they recognize their own abilities and limitations, mature people look to the “other.”

The transforming intersection between life and God’s Word is found in the maturity to endure the darkness within faith, to follow God rather than the world, to be trained in discernment, and to work to build up the body of Christ. Transformation happens as biblical maturity recognizes reality, examines self, promotes healthy interaction, and makes spiritually-informed decisions.