Maturing

Christian maturity is an illusive thing. And what makes it illusive is our fear of what it will cost us to grow up spiritually. To become more and more like Christ means that I have to do away with more and more of me. And I have the tendency to kind of like me. In addition, the methods that God must use to mold us into His image are not often very comfortable. We would much rather go about this transformation thing in the power of our own flesh. Unfortunately, relying on our own abilities to accomplish such a revolutionary change makes about as much sense as relying on a paper bag instead of a parachute the next time one decides to go skydiving. Such human strivings end up being a free fall with a very painful and sudden jolt at the end. I can never spiritualize the natural man. Never.
And that's why I think we struggle with the process of maturity. As James tells us, the way to maturity is through various trials and temptations that we are to count "all joy." Our faith must be tested and behind the testing is the question: "How much do you truly love me?" Or, put another way, "Do you really want to become more and more like me?" Unless my answer is an irrevocable "yes," I will not move on to spiritual maturity and Christ-likeness. After all, the first step to growing up, to discipleship, is the denying of oneself. And James warns us that we too often doubt that the cost is worth it; consequently, we live lives of spiritual seasickness and doublemindedness unable to gain the wisdom to understand the beneficial nature of our current trial. But there are no shortcuts to spiritual growth and maturity. There are only the trials that make us less dependent on ourselves and more immersed in His wondrous all-sufficient grace. We do, you know, have His faithfulness promises.

"You are not in a trial that you lack the ability to endure."

"You are not in a trial for which I have not provided a way of escape for you."

"If you are still in the trial, it's because I am confident that you can handle it."

"I know exactly what you are feeling, and if you really want to know how you can use this trial to become more like Me, just ask in faith, boldly, and I will give you the wisdom to understand."

"Remember, if you are going to fully realize the joy of your salvation, you must participate in My sufferings."

Trials produce a testing of my faith, which produces an unshakeable steadfastness, which produces a mature, complete, believer who lacks nothing that he needs spiritually. Trials transform a struggling man or woman into the image of Christ. And if I unwaveringly want that, I will know the joy that can make the weakest child of God strengthened with all the might of God.