“All we who are mature then, should think this way. And if someone thinks differently, God will especially reveal that to you. In any case, follow that into which we have already arrived.” (Philippians 3:15-16 author’s paraphrase)
Maturity . . . what a concept! Think . . . wisdom through growth. Adult not a child. A disciple not a new born believer. Maturity is a wise understanding of how behavior and thinking affect our spiritual victory. What about that forgetting the past? How about the focus on the finish line? How about pursuing the high calling of God? All of these considerations are involved in the maturity Paul sets forth here.
Maturity, the knowledge that we haven’t achieved it to the highest degree desired, yet we stretch to grow and take hold of more of it. Understanding that to be found in Christ, with all that means, is our main goal as his disciples. Conformed to his death. Fellowship in his suffering. Accessing the power of his resurrection. By faith, trusting in his righteousness instead of our own. This is how mature disciples of Christ think and act.
Maturity, taking on the attitude and behavior of Christ. Submit ourselves to God’s will as He did. Knowing that a relationship with him is more valuable than anything else. Mature thinking produces mature behavior, hence Paul’s exhortation to think this way. And if you think differently, then God will reveal the accuracy of this mature thinking to you too.
Dear Father, thank you for the guidance of the Holy Spirit who leads us into all truth. Empower us to think like your revealed Word teaches us to think. I pray this prayer in the name of Jesus. AMEN
Be courageous today and practice maturity,