How does one become a mature Christian?
YOU HAVE been in the church for years and worked in every office you could possibly work to proclaim the gospel; you have faltered many times, and equally returned to the path of good standing just as many (times). But you are now just simply tired. Is this your reality?
It might or might not be, and while some people resort to leaving the fold completely out of fear of failing the Creator, a man of God is counselling against it.
“As a Christian, I know what it’s like to fail. Making resolutions that you are going to be faithful; yet find yourself doing the wrong things repeatedly. That is not the problem. The problem is when you fail and have no idea what to do to overcome perpetual failure. I was always of the opinion that this is not how God intended for us to live,” explained communication and health ministries director at the Central Jamaica Conference of Seventh-day Adventist, Pastor Damian Chambers.
It was for this very reason that Chambers penned his thoughts on the topic and sought to offer a guide to those who are struggling with this issue.
“In 2006, I made a commitment to reread the Bible, with the intention of discovering what it means to be successful in the Christian life. I also received inspiration from other books, such as Steps to Christ, Alone with God, The Purpose Driven Life, The Desire of Ages, His Robe or Mine, and many others.
“Throughout my studies, I came to understand the difference that maturity makes in our Christian walk. I also discovered the role of love, faith and understanding in determining one’s maturity. Love is the result/product of God’s work in us; faith keeps us connected so that God can work on us; and
understanding fuels our reason to remain connected.”
He revealed that his book titled On Becoming a Mature Christian: How to Experience Consistent
Victory in the Christian Life puts into perspective the concepts of the Bible that, if understood and implemented well, can improve one’s experience and allow for a more consistent walk with the Lord that is unencumbered by fear.
“I didn’t want to keep this information to myself, hence the book. It is very important to address the issue of spiritual maturity, because there are many Christians who remain in a state of (what the late James Cress called) perpetual babyhood. As the author of Hebrews said, while they ought to be teachers/mature Christians, they need that one should teach them (repeatedly) the basic principles of the Bible. Hebrews 5:11-6:3. In such condition, many either give up on their walk with God, turn to legalism or compromise.”
Chambers said in all his 15 years of being a pastor, the worst thing he has seen is dead hope.
“When persons lose confidence in the power of the gospel and not only choose to live a double life, but believe that everyone else is doing the same, it is worrying.”
Available on Amazon, Kindle Version and locally at the NCU (Northern Caribbean University) Bookstore, the pastor added that the main aim of the book is to get people to make the first step to becoming a mature Christian.
“The first step is to make a complete surrender of your life to Christ and practise to make that surrender daily,” he ended.
‘As a Christian, I know what it’s like to fail. Making resolutions that you are going to be faithful; yet find yourself doing the wrong things repeatedly. That is not the problem. The problem is when you fail and have no idea what to do to overcome perpetual failure.’