We are taking a shot at defining "spiritual maturity" in a way that is both Biblical and practical. Biblical in the sense that it is reinforced by the authority of Scripture. Practical in the sense that is easily understood and sought after by the modern person.
As I wrote in my previous post, spiritual maturity involves being transformed at several levels. These levels are interdependent to some degree, but there are some practical reasons to discuss them in what I believe to be a logical sequence.
The first level of transformation involves changing the way we think. Psalm 86:11 and Romans 12:2 both speak to this:
Teach me your ways, O Lord, that I may live according to your truth! Grant me purity of heart, so that I may honor you. Psalm 86:11 (NLT)
Don’t copy the behavior and customs of this world, but let God transform you into a new person by changing the way you think. Then you will learn to know God’s will for you, which is good and pleasing and perfect. Romans 12:2 (NLT)
Our culture trains us from birth to understand, accept and adopt a view of the world that is contrary to the view presented in the Bible. This involves everything from how we view God, His creation, ourselves, our spouse, our family & friends, authority, right & wrong, etc.
One important element in the race toward spiritual maturity is a solid and expanding knowledge of God and His Word. This knowledge and perspective leads to a transformed Christian worldview. Without a Christian worldview, we will find ourselves being confused, frustrated and discouraged. Life simply won’t make sense, our expectations of God, ourselves and others will be skewed, and we will make decisions that are contrary to God’s will.
How do we transform our worldview? By getting educated! An hour on Sunday morning will have little counter-effect to a week full of the rest of the world. We must all continually seek to learn more about God and His world. That might be through simply reading the Bible, personal Bible study or a study done in a Life Group. At Grace Point, we have several Discipleship Classes designed to help our church family transform their worldview.
As our worldview is transformed, God can transform us in other ways as well. That is the subject of the next post.
How about you? Do you think your worldview affects you in significant ways? If so, how? If not, why not? How has your worldview changed over the years?
