Learning to be mature 2

How old would you be if you didn’t know how old you were - that is, what your level of maturity is?

An old farmer frequently described his Christian experience by saying, “Well, I'm not making much progress, but I'm well established!” One spring when he was hauling some logs, his wagon wheels sank down to the axles in mud. Try as he would, he couldn't get the wagon out. Defeated, he sat atop the logs, viewing the dismal situation. Soon a neighbour who had always felt uncomfortable with the farmer's worn-out testimony came along and greeted him, “Well, brother Jones, I see you're not making much progress, but you must be content because you're certainly well-established!

Hopefully you are not only “well-established” in the faith but making progress as well!

Paul describes the goal of his ministry to the Colossians: “We proclaim him, admonishing and teaching everyone with all wisdom, so that we may present everyone fully mature in Christ. To this end I strenuously contend with all the energy Christ so powerfully works in me” (Col. 1:28-29).

But what would such maturity look like? Paul elaborates in the next few verses (2:2-5):

“My goal is that their hearts may be encouraged…”

• The sense here is to means “to call to one’s side,” signifying such ideas as support, comfort and exhortation. The central thought here is being strengthened against the attack of erroneous teaching.

“having been knit together in love, …”

• The image here is like the strands of material that together form a garment; a mutually beneficial coexistence. The mature Church functions in its interdependency. This is a part of spiritual unity in the church. An immature church is often wrought with selfishness and division.

“and attaining to all the riches that comes from the full assurance of understanding, …”

• Paul mentioned the riches of Christ earlier (Col. 1:27) and tends to use “riches” as the fullness of goods, supplies, or resources. Understanding this leads to greater assurance.

“resulting in a true knowledge of God’s mystery, that is, Christ Himself, in whom are hidden all the treasures of wisdom and knowledge.”

• The mature church has both assurance of understanding and humility to appreciate the mystery of knowing Christ. Moreover, they possess a curiosity to keep seeking treasures of wisdom and knowledge.

“I say this so that no one will deceive you with persuasive arguments.”

• The image here is the arena of the philosophers and debaters. A setting bent on challenging and debunking others with persuasive speech.

“For even though I am absent in body, nevertheless I am with you in spirit, rejoicing to see your good discipline and the stability of your faith in Christ.”

• Although at a distance, Paul delights in their excellent lifestyle marked by discipline and stability.