If parents treated their new born babies as most parts of
Christianity do, we would have few physically mature adults in this world. The
birth of babies, both natural and spiritual, brings joy but in both cases it is
only the beginning. A major problem occurs when birth, natural or spiritual, is
seen and treated as an end all.
Both natural birth and spiritual birth are very exciting
occurrences, but at present those born naturally have a better opportunity to
grow and become mature adults than those born spiritually have in becoming a
mature disciple of Jesus Christ. We all enjoy our children and grandchildren at
their various stages of childhood, but the goal is for them to grow up and
become mature adults. The goal that Jesus has for those born into His family is
that they grow up and become mature disciples, but at present it is difficult
for it to take place.
In the message titled The Problem of Spiritual Immaturity I
stated the following: “One of the main problems in Christianity is that
spiritual immaturity is widespread among the members of the body of Christ. The
problem includes many that are working as ministers! Spiritual immaturity is
not a new problem among Christians; it is a longstanding problem and is
possibly the greatest hindrance that prevents the Church from fulfilling her
God given call and responsibilities.”
Why is spiritual immaturity such a wide spread problem in
Christianity? Who is responsible? Spiritual immaturity is wide spread in
Christianity because the traditions and doctrines of man have replaced and/or
been mixed with the truth of the word of God and water it down. The ones that
are most responsible are those in spiritual leadership positions. All of this
results in keeping Christians in a state of babyhood.
While I am writing this I am listening to an account of what
is being called a revival in a particular church. I listen guardedly! I am
looking for the real and I have seen enough of flash revivals. A church can
have what they call revival, people can be saved, buildings can be expanded or
new ones built, television opportunities can open up and expand worldwide,
conferences can be held on a regular basis, people can come from far and near
to see and/or be part of this happening and in a few years it is not heard of
anymore. Why? It is at best usually what I will call a partisan revival meaning
that it is by a particular church that has its own doctrines and traditions. In
these revivals people can really be born again, but very quickly are
indoctrinated into that particular groups beliefs-doctrines and traditions.
I am seeking restoration, revival and awakening that is real
and lasting. When those that are already true Christians wake up, repent and
remove everything that is of man and live by the word of God rightly divided then
when babies are birthed into the kingdom of God they will be on a fast track to
maturity in Christ. Churches, let’s examine ourselves with the word of God
rightly divided as our standard and take the necessary steps that will make
sure that when a baby is born that baby will grow to maturity in the one body
of Christ-the church that Jesus is building.
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