God does not ask us to seek converts; He simply asks us to disciple. Discipleship is the modeling and teaching to Christians the precepts of the Bible�mainly prayer, doctrine, and Christian living. All will lead to the main thing�the reason for our being, the meaning of life�worship. It is not the services on Sunday; it is having an attitude and a heart that worship Christ! Yes, we are still to evangelize, but that is not our main mission and call! When we evangelize, we must realize that it is the role of the Holy Spirit to bring people into an intimate relationship with God. This is an act of divine intervention and grace. He uses us as the tools, but He is the means! We are to care, and share with others His love and character. We are to obey and reach out, but we cannot lead people anywhere. He is the One who leads! Our goal is to worship and model to others our worship�not just the service in the church, but the lifestyle of a heart surrendered and poured out to His (Gal. 2:20-21; Phil. 3:10).
When I was a child I spake like a child, I understood as a child, I thought as a child, but when I became a man, I put away childish things..1Cor. 13:11
I feel being a mature Christian is taking responsibilty for your salvation. A child is dependent on those around him for understanding the word, digesting the word, and exhorting the word. He cannot care for himself without being dependent on others for his care. His thought processes are not developed enough to make rational decisions and at some point finds difficulty in discerning right and wrong without the guidance of a parent, friend, caregiver. When we mature in our Christian walk we are more able to chew on the meat and put away the milk so that our growth will not be stunted or weak. Our legs will develop strength to help us walk through the things in life that we must, successfully.
Our language will help us to say what we need to say without fear of babbling. Our hearing wll be acute so that what we hear will be diserned, appropriately. Our mind will absorb the things of God readily with understanding and our heart will be able accept the consequences of right and or wrong in an acceptable manner. When we are mature, we will put away the tantrums, manipulation, self-centeredness, insecruity, and control that have been part of our nature and be the man or woman that God has destined us to be.
A true light in a world of darkness ...glorifying the Father!
It was a blessing that this was revealed to me, I felt the need to share it on this topic. From Galatians 5 (CEV):
6If you are guided by the Spirit, you won't obey your selfish desires.
17The Spirit and your desires are enemies of each other. They are always fighting each other and keeping you from doing what you feel you should.
18But if you obey the Spirit, the Law of Moses has no control over you.
19People's desires make them give in to immoral ways, filthy thoughts, and shameful deeds.
20They worship idols, practice witchcraft, hate others, and are hard to get along with. People become jealous, angry, and selfish. They not only argue and cause trouble, but they are
21envious. They get drunk, carry on at wild parties, and do other evil things as well. I told you before, and I am telling you again: No one who does these things will share in the blessings of God's kingdom.
22God's Spirit makes us loving, happy, peaceful, patient, kind, good, faithful,
23gentle, and self-controlled. There is no law against behaving in any of these ways.
24And because we belong to Christ Jesus, we have killed our selfish feelings and desires.
25God's Spirit has given us life, and so we should follow the Spirit.
26But don't be conceited or make others jealous by claiming to be better than they are.
How many do we know say they are Christians yet still live of the world. Make them aware you are concerned with this salvation and give them this passage.
You are the model of a mature Christian man! The fruits of the Spirit are in you and manifested through your life! God Be with you in all you see, think, feel and in each moment of your life! You are a fine example of life lived in the Lord!
