Leave _______ and go on to ___________

SCRIPTURE
"Therefore let us leave the elementary teachings about Christ and go on to maturity..." (Hebrews 6:1)

OBSERVATION
What would "maturity" look like?

Here's some of my perceptions about Christian maturity. First phase of (maturity) being a Christian has certain markings, a certain lifestyle, specific habits that they do such as praying when you are in need and attending church on Sundays. That's the basic program. A second, more intermediate phase may be reading the Bible when troubles are near. Then the third, and seemingly most advanced stage is to have memorized a few Scriptures, do devotions, they tithe, and they get involved in a few church activities. Those five habits would for the most part, be the defining of "maturity." Even Jesus followers would define Christian maturity as such.

But for me, it must go beyond that. It is not just the basic five. It has to be a life fully lived within the Kingdom of God. It has to be a glow rather than a task, something natural rather than something of duty.

A mature Christian is one who becomes known, no longer for what he (she) does but for who he (she) is. It is when the things he has believed have been so sifted into his innermost being that he lives with a grace, a love, a wisdom that even non Jesus followers can recognize.

Like Daniel in the Old Testament, he served four kings who didn't follow the God of the Hebrews yet they all wanted Daniel to be their top counselor. I am sure it wasn't because of his use of religious clichés or him constantly reminding others of his belief system. Rather, it was that he was so valuable to the King's purposes. He used great insight; he didn't require constant supervision; he did above and beyond his duties, he fulfilled his tasks, showed up on time, and was loyal more than the rest. Daniel was someone with leadership gifts that were honed and a character that was dependable. He possessed an "excellent" spirit and when he was around, people were glad.

But it is not like that today. There are those who proclaim Christianity but their lifestyle is only tolerable at best. They want people to value them because of their beliefs rather than for the reality of what they contribute.

It is often immature Christians and underdeveloped leaders that hurt the cause of Christ.As Hebrews says, these immature ones just stick with the elementary teachings. But the mature ones are the Daniels.

APPLICATION
I want to tuck away the elementary principles, allow them to influence everything I do, but move onward to greater things so that in some way, even non-Jesus followers will see the value and benefit from not only the things I do but from the person I am.

PRAYER
Lord Jesus, YOU were like that. It was simply who You were, not just what You did. People sensed heaven when they were in Your presence. Help me to shift my mind so that I understand that what I do is great, but I must get comfortable in who I am and simply LIVE OUT LOUD.