Are You Reaching the Stature That Belongs to Christ?

 CHRISTIAN GROWTH

When you examine ripe fruit at the market, you see that not all the pieces are identical. Yet, they do share some characteristics that identify them as being ripe. Similarly, mature Christians may be of different nationality, background, health, age, and experience.  There are even differences in personality or culture.  Still, all who grow spiritually develop qualities  that identify them as being mature.  How so?

A mature servant of Jehovah builds his live around the example of Jesus, who left a model for us "to follow his steps closely." (1 Peter 2:21) What did Jesus highlight as being very important?  Loving Jehovah with all one's heart, soul, and mind, and loving one's neighbor as oneself.  (Matthew 22:37-39) A mature Christian strives to live  in harmony  with that counsel.  He has established a life pattern that shows that he gives  priority to his relationship with Jehovah and he displays self-sacrificing love for others. 

We understand, though, that love is just one aspect of the fruitage of the spirit  that a mature Christian displays.  (Galatians 5:22,23) Other aspects-such as mildness, self-control, and patience-are important too.  they can help him to handle difficult situations without becoming irritated and to endure heartbreaking disappointments without losing  hope.  In his program of personal study, he continually searches for Scriptural principles that can help him to distinguish right from wrong.  Thereafter, when he makes decisions, he gives evidence of spiritual maturity.  For instance, he listens to his Bible-trained conscience.  The mature Christian show humility in that he recognizes  that Jehovah's ways and standards are always better than his own.  He zealously preaches the good news and contributes to the unity of the congregation. 

No matter how long we have been serving Jehovah, each of us can ask,  'Are there areas where I yet should model myself more closely after Jesus, thus continuing to progress spiritually?' 

Next time: Are You Reaching the Stature  That Belongs to Christ? -  "SOLID FOOD BELONGS TO MATURE PEOPLE" 

From the Watchtower magazine