Are You a "Full-Grown" Christian?

"When I was a babe, I used to speak as a babe, to think as a babe, to reason as a babe." So wrote the apostle Paul.  Really, all of us were once helpless babies. However, we did not remain such forever. Observed Paul: "Now that I have become a man, I have done away with the traits of a babe." -1 Corinthians 13:11.

In a similar way, all Christians start off as spiritual babes. But in time, all can "attain to the oneness in the faith and in the accurate knowledge of the Son of God, to a full-grown man, to the measure of stature that belongs to the fullness of Christ." (Ephesians 4:13)  At 1 Corinthians 14:20, we are exhorted:  "Brothers, do not become young children in powers of understanding . . .Become full-grown in  the powers of understanding." 

The presence of mature, fully-grown Christians is a blessing to God's people today, particularly because there are so many new ones.  Full-grown  Christians add stability to a congregation. They have positive impact on the disposition or dominant attitude, of whatever congregation they attend.

 While physical growth is more or less automatic, spiritual growth comes about only with time and effort. Not surprisingly, back in Paul's day, some Christians failed to "press on to maturity," in spite of having served God for many years.  (Hebrews 5:12; 6:1)  What about you?  Whether you have served God for many years or for only a relatively short period of time,  it would be appropriate  for you to examine yourself honestly.  (2 Corinthians 13:5)  Are you among those who can truly be called mature, or full-grown, Christians? If not, how can you become such? 

Next time: "Full-Grown in Powers of Understanding

From the Watchtower magazine, 2000