Raised in China, our dear friend recalled this wit and wisdom from his grandmother, “Older is better, unless you’re a banana.” I chuckle whenever it comes to mind. Indeed, maturity is a wonderful thing. To students, it means deeper understanding. To artists, more authenticity, perhaps. To speakers, increased persuasion. To weightlifters, growth means stronger; to swimmers, faster; and to all, wiser. But what does maturity look like to believers? In a word, closer.
In last week’s post, we marveled at the Spirit’s gifting us as members of a team, each of us individually equipped for the good of the whole. Our giftings create a diversity among us, but not unto division. Yet our unity does not mean conformity, for each of us is unique. Then together we grow, a collective with many members. Paul explains that Jesus gifted some believers — pastors and teachers, for instance — “to equip God’s people to do his work and build up the church, the body of Christ. This will continue until we all come to such unity in our faith and knowledge of God’s Son that we will be mature in the Lord, measuring up to the full and complete standard of Christ.”1 So, even as we serve God and people in His name, we ourselves continue to develop and mature. And Christian maturity manifests itself in oneness; unity is the true mark of maturity in Christ, who is the head of us all, His church.
Then how must we mature? First, remain anchored in God’s Word. Paul exhorts us to “grow up in every way . . . into Christ”2 so that “we may no longer be children, tossed to and fro by the waves and carried about by every wind of doctrine, by human cunning, by craftiness in deceitful schemes.”3 And Jesus taught that, some hear the Word, “but as they go on their way they are choked by life’s worries, riches and pleasures, and they do not mature. But . . . those with a noble and good heart . . . hear the word, retain it, and by persevering produce a crop.”4 That’s growth; that’s maturity. Then so anchored in the Word, we set our sights on what lasts. Paul writes, “Forgetting the past and looking forward to what lies ahead, I press on to reach the end of the race and receive the heavenly prize for which God, through Christ Jesus, is calling us. Let all who are spiritually mature agree on these things.”5
Yes, older is better when maturity comes with it. (Or are we just bananas?)
Grow to maturity. Encourage each other. Live in harmony and peace. Then the God of love and peace will be with you. — 2 Corinthians 13:11 NLT
Father, grow us up through the power of Your Word as Your Kingdom — our destination — draws near. In Christ we pray. Amen.
1 Ephesians 4:12-13 NLT, emphasis added
2 Ephesians 4:15 ESV
3 Ephesians 4:14 ESV
4 Luke 8:14-15 NIV
5 Philippians 3:13-15 NLT
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Paul Nordman—Author 