Immature Forever?[/SIZE]

Brethren, do not be children in understanding; however, in malice be babes, but in understanding be mature.
1 Corinthians 14:20

Recommended Reading
Luke 8:14-15

"You're only young once," quipped Australian writer Germaine Greer, "but you can be immature forever." She's sadly right. It's one thing for a child to act immaturely; we expect that. But for immaturity to persist into adulthood is distressing. Many of our problems are caused by immaturity -- immature husbands, immature wives, immature church members, immature actions.

The word "maturity" means "fully grown, developed, or completed." The greatest picture of maturity in the Bible is our Lord Jesus, who "increased in wisdom and stature, and in favor with God and men." In other words, He matured mentally, physically, spiritually, and socially.

"Him we proclaim," said Paul, "warning everyone and teaching everyone with all wisdom, that we may present everyone mature in Christ" (Colossians 1:28 ESV). As we feed on the Bible, confess our sins, learn from our mistakes, and grow in God's wisdom, we can mature. We don't have to stay immature forever.

Spiritual maturity cannot come in a day. We cannot expect it. It takes growth, until the whole beauty of the image of Christ is formed in (us).
Andrew Murray

Read-thru-the-Bible
Isaiah 48:1 -- 51:23

So very true Chad, with all of the "Christian training" available today many remain immature spiritually and I think this includes many of the so called leaders, pastors and authors within the Christian religion. Paul also said that God's love working within us is what matures and makes us complete- Eph.3. We definitely need HolySpirit's help to yield to the power of God's love at work within us so that we can spiritually mature.

Growing in knowledge of God's word is but one area of maturity. Knowing the voice of the Spirit, and following it and building our faith in that leading is something critically important, but neglected in much of christiandom. Jesus said he would send us the comforter to guide us in all things. But many are too fearful of spiritual leading and focus only on learning more about the bible and what it tells us. Scripture is holy and good, but without the leading of the Spirit, its like trying to walk (much less run the race)with one leg.

Yes we are to grow in grace and in the knowledge of god. This will come has we give ourselves to study in the word and prayer and allowing the Holy Spirit to lead us into all truth

Yes we are to grow in grace and in the knowledge God. This will come has we give ourselves to study in the word and prayer and allowing the Holy Spirit to lead us into all truth

Originally Posted by Brad Huber

Growing in knowledge of God's word is but one area of maturity. Knowing the voice of the Spirit, and following it and building our faith in that leading is something critically important, but neglected in much of christiandom. Jesus said he would send us the comforter to guide us in all things. But many are too fearful of spiritual leading and focus only on learning more about the bible and what it tells us. Scripture is holy and good, but without the leading of the Spirit, its like trying to walk (much less run the race)with one leg.

I agree Brad, many today seem to think that HolySpirit only speaks through scripture.

Originally Posted by jiggyfly

I agree Brad, many today seem to think that HolySpirit only speaks through scripture.

I have noticed the same. The Spirit does indeed speak to us many times while reading scripture, but God speaks to His people in many ways, if only we are open to His
Spirit.