When a child reaches the milestone age of 18, we say that they are finally an adult. Society recognizes this change in several ways. New privileges are granted – the right to vote or the ability to join the military. Usually at this time, one leaves the realm of high school for college or employment. Often, one leaves home to take his or her place in the world.
Today marks the beginning of my 18th year serving with the Whitehouse congregation. It is a bittersweet anniversary in some ways. Yesterday, instead of spending time with my brethren, I found myself preaching to an empty auditorium – though many were watching over the internet. At least I didn’t see anyone sleeping!
Eighteen years is a long time – long enough for a boy to become a man. It is a time when one looks back to see what has been accomplished. It is a time for evaluating one’s performance and growth. As a preacher, this is something to be done regularly – but moments like these provide added incentive for reflection.
As parents, when our children come of age, we also look back. We remember the bumps in the road, the hardships, and the heartaches. Yet, with tremendous pride, we also reflect upon the achievements and victories, the little successes and the great leaps forward. We trust that our sons and daughters are healthy, strong, grounded, and mature – ready to face the world and to thrive in it.
But, I wonder, do we stop to evaluate our own lives – our congregations – in the same way. Truly, we have faced difficulties and enjoyed triumphs in the past 18 years. But, have we grown? Have we matured so that we are ready to face the world and to thrive in it – spiritually, of course?
Individually, our faith must grow and mature. Our desire for the Word of God should be like the hunger of an infant for milk. Yet, the goal is to grow to maturity. “As newborn babes, desire the sincere milk of the word, that ye may grown thereby” (1 Peter 2:2). However, our faith and knowledge must be that of adults, those who are mature. “Brethren, be not children in understanding: howbeit in malice be ye children, but in understanding be men” (1 Corinthians 14:20). In the past 18 years, have we matured in our knowledge of the Scriptures and in our trust in God?
As a preacher preaches, he is also training – by word and example – so that others may go out and preach. “And the things that thou hast heard of me among many witnesses, the same commit thou to faithful men, who shall be able to teach others also” (2 Timothy 2:2). It is the duty of all Christians to evangelize (Matthew 28:18-20; Mark 16:15-16). As we study together in Bible classes and worship services, we are learning and growing so that we may teach others. Have we improved and increased our evangelism in the past 18 years?
Christians are to mature spiritually. This will manifest itself in how we relate to one another. The church at Corinth was divided because the members of that congregation did not love one another as brethren (1 Corinthians 13). Part of the reason for their lack of love was their spiritual immaturity. “And I, brethren, could not speak unto you as unto spiritual, but as unto carnal, even as unto babes in Christ. I have fed you with milk, and not with meat: for hitherto ye were not able to bear it, neither yet now are ye able. For ye are yet carnal: for whereas there is among you envying, and strife, and divisions, are ye not carnal, and walk as men?” (1 Corinthians 3:1-3). When Christians are spiritually mature, they will treat each other as family. They will not allow a brother to be lost without trying to win him back (1 Corinthians 5). They will work out their disagreements with honesty and respect – and without harming the reputation of the church (1 Corinthians 6). They will not act in a way that would cause a brother to stumble 1 Corinthians 8). In fact, they will make whatever sacrifice is necessary to ensure the salvation of a brother or sister (1 Corinthians 9). They will not let pride or vanity hinder the worship of others (1 Corinthians 11). They will recognize that each person is different and has a role to play in the work and worship of the church. Thus, they will strive for unity that grows out of love (1 Corinthians 12 – 14). “For, brethren, ye have been called unto liberty; only use not liberty for an occasion to the flesh, but by love serve one another” (Galatians 5:13). Have we matured in our relationships with each other in the past 18 years?
Spiritual growth and maturity is a lifelong process. We never reach a state where we have nothing left to learn or no room for improvement. Yet, it is good from time to time to pause and evaluate where we are along the journey. If we had just turned 18, we would be considered and held responsible as adults. Can we consider ourselves spiritually mature after 18 years together? Will God hold us responsible as spiritual adults after being Christians for so many years? Does our spiritual growth compare to our physical maturity? These are important questions and worthy of reflection.
“Examine yourselves, whether ye be in the faith; prove your own selves” (2 Corinthians 13:5a).
– Byron Longcrier