Sullivan church of Christ -- Sullivan, MO
Date: February 13, 2005
SIGNS OF SPIRITUAL IMMATURITY
Ben Justice
The inspired Hebrews’ writer spoke of those who “ought to be teachers,”
but because they had not developed spiritual maturity, they were in
need of being taught “again which be the first principles of the oracles of
God” (Heb. 5:12). In Heb. 6:1, the inspired writer admonished the
Hebrew Christians, “Therefore leaving the principles of the doctrine of
Christ, let us go on unto perfection; . . .” The principle is clearly seen: God
expects Christians to mature.
The maturing process as a Christian is manifested and seen in a variety
of ways. With each passing day, I should see myself maturing more and
more in Christ. However, it is truly unfortunate when Christians do not
mature. Instead, they remain immature. Spiritual immaturity is seen in
a variety of ways. Consider the following signs.
First, a lack of Bible knowledge will be evident. It is truly a shame when
Christians do not even know the basic facts of Christianity. For example,
how many members of the church consider the church as just another
denomination? How many can’t give book, chapter, and verse for God’s
plan of salvation? How many members of the church don’t know why
instrumental music in worship is not used, or why we partake of the Lord’
s Supper every first day of the week, or why we do not tithe? Some need
to go back to kindergarten and learn the fundamentals all over again.
Peter commanded, “But sanctify the Lord God in your hearts: and be ready
always to give an answer to every man that asketh you a reason of the hope
that is in you with meekness and fear” (I Pet. 3:15). Sadly, many can’t do
this, and seemingly don’t even bother with it.
Second, another sign is when members of the church habitually miss the
services of the church. Those who desire to be spiritually mature will
make every effort to be at every service of the church. When one forsakes
the services, they have missed opportunities to learn more of the word of
God and therefore mature in Christ.
Third, sometimes it is the case that brethren are covetous. They really
hate to have to give to the work of the Lord. They can’t seem to
understand that it takes money to carry out the work of the church.
When brethren start complaining about the money that is needed to
begin and carry out a project, it is a sign of spiritual immaturity.
Fourth, emotionalism is almost always prevalent with spiritually
immature brethren. Subjectivism instead of objectivism is what controls
their lives. Their faith rests upon how they feel, rather than a “thus saith
the Lord.” Too many brethren wear their feelings on their sleeves.
Fifth, gossip is often characteristic of spiritual immaturity. Gossip is
characteristic of the world and should never be named among the people
of God, but some seem to delight in it.
Sixth, rudeness in Bible classes is something that the spiritually
immature do. I have personally taught Bible classes wherein some
brethren were just down right rude. They are always looking to be
antagonistic and taking exception with practically everything that is
said. It is not that they have any real conviction or want to engage in
meaningful study. It is just that they want to be cantankerous.
Seventh, another sign is when members of the church put down the
church before non-Christians. How many brethren “go off” on the
church (say the preacher, the elders, the deacons, a Bible class teacher,
or anyone in the church) to those who are not even members of the Lord’
s church? This is something that really bothers me. It shows an
incredible depth of spiritual immaturity.
Eighth, engaging in things that are accepted as normal and legitimate by
the world but are condemned by the Word of God. People of the world
see nothing wrong with dancing, dressing immodestly, mixed
swimming, social drinking, and gambling. These things are readily
accepted by society. When brethren begin to argue that such things are
perfectly permissible for Christians, even after having been shown from
God’s word that such things are sinful, it’s a sure sign of spiritual
immaturity. When a brother or sister does what he/she wants to do
regardless, you have a spiritually immature person on your hands.
Ninth, when brethren have been in the church for 20 or 30 years and
still can’t say a prayer, it is a sign of spiritual immaturity. People who
can pray well in public is a sure sign that they have had much practice
in private. Prayer is a spiritual blessing that every child of God has.
Sadly, many brethren hardly ever pray.
Tenth, when brethren are always making excuses to be useful in the
church, it is a sign of spiritual immaturity. It is truly unfortunate when
some are always looking for a way out to be involved in the work of the
Lord.
The signs of spiritual immaturity are manifold. We as Christians must
mature in Christ. We must not stay on the plane of mediocrity, for to be
mediocre is to be immature. Maturing in Christ is a wonderful blessing.
“Let us go on unto perfection.”
I CAN'T SEE ANY HARM IN IT
Consider these guidelines when determining whether
a practice is right or wrong.
—> THE PERSONAL TEST: Will doing this make me a better or worse
Christian?
—> THE SOCIAL TEST: Will doing it influence others to be better or worse
Christians?
—> THE PRACTICAL TEST: Will the results of my doing it be desirable?
—> THE UNIVERSAL TEST: Does the Bible endorse it, or is it forbidden by the
Word of God?
—> THE STEWARDSHIP TEST: Will my doing this constitute a waste of talent
God gave me?
—> THE CHARACTER TEST: What will be the influence of my moral and
spiritual stamina?
—> THE FAMILY TEST: Will it bring discredit and dishonor to my family, and
will it embarrass them?
—> THE PUBLICITY TEST: Would I be willing for friends, fellow Christians,
the elders, and the preacher to know about it?
—> THE COMMON SENSE TEST: Does it agree with just plain, everyday,
ordinary common sense?
—> THE FAIRNESS TEST: Is it honest, and is it practicing the golden rule?
—SELECTED
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