Here is part 2 of "Marks of a Mature Christian."
6) You do not compare yourself to others.
We live in a culture obsessed with looking at magazines and pictures of others and coveting their body, looks and position in life This is toxic to joy and degrading to God. Comparison produces shame, bitterness and frustration. Spiritually mature Christians understand reaching their full potential does not come from looking horizontally at the world, but looking vertically to God.
7) You listen to others who have a different viewpoint … with the goal of growing and not correcting.
Spiritually mature Christians understand their perspective is limited. They acknowledge God doesn’t need spiritual police, he needs passionate followers. And followers are listeners. Followers are gleaners. Followers are convicted of their beliefs but are not so close-minded that everyone else is wrong. They understand listening to another viewpoint does not equate to condoning or accepting it.
8) Your heart breaks for the poor and marginalized.
Jesus loved everyone. But Jesus had a special love for the marginalized. Maybe more than any other mark, this mark forms the dividing wall between Jesus and the Pharisees. Jesus loved those without a voice. The poor. The sick. The helpless. The Pharisees only loved those who could help them.
Mature Christians understand this distinction. Their hearts genuinely break for those in the world who don’t have a voice. Their hearts hurt for the poor. They can’t stand to see kids at school get picked on. They can’t stand to think about boys and girls without parents. This is the heart of Christ. And it is the heart of mature Christians.
Mature Christians love those without a voice because they are close to God, and God is close to those without a voice.
9) You understand Christianity doesn’t have an on/off switch.
Christian living does not have an “on/off” switch. Living for God is 24/7/365. Spiritually mature Christians do not find ways to compartmentalize God because He is not part of their life … He is their life (see Romans 12:1-2).
Mature Christians are constantly aware of their surroundings. They are constantly aware of opportunities God is presenting them to disciple, share, love and comfort. Nothing is off limits. The grocery store. A restaurant. The church building. They believe God is always working, and they are not going to miss an opportunity.
10) You have a sustainable rhythm to your life.
Mature Christians are not workaholics or lazy slobs. They are not underachievers or overachievers. They believe health is important. They find value in exercise. They find value in vacationing. They find value in a regular Sabbath. They find value in hobbies.
They understand living for Jesus and being the most effective servant possible means living holistically.
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