DEFINITION and QUALITIES
A Mature Believer is best described as, "An imperfect individual who has been consistent in the basics of the faith (i.e., daily prayer, daily Bible and extra-Biblical reading, weekly Bible study, Christian fellowship, godly living, has developed a few of the Fruit of the Spirit, etc..) has been and is currently involved in ministry, AND, has made a profound impact on people's lives for the sake of His Kingdom for a decade or more." Here are some additional phrases I would use to describe a Mature Believer:
• A lengthy, but not perfect, history of the daily disciplines.
• Ready for what God has next - even if it involves suffering and death.
• Sound in many judgments.
• Highly knowledgeable and experienced in spiritual matters.
• Insightful - not just opinionated.
• Reliable.
• Responsible.
• Has worked on and is still working on the Fruit of the Spirit. Galatians 5:22-23 tells us, "The fruit of the Spirit [the result of His presence within us] is love [unselfish concern for others], joy, [inner] peace, patience [not the ability to wait, but how we act while waiting], kindness, goodness, faithfulness, gentleness, self-control."
• Has a long history of sacrificial giving - be it time, money, or talents.
• Is teachable.
• Has a personality that some find rough around the edges.
What things should this Christ-Follower be focused on? Here is a shortlist of things I recommend:
• Deepening their faith. Here are some books to challenge you:
1. https://www.amazon.com/GEORGE-MÜLLER-Faith-Basil-Miller/dp/0359283438/
style="margin-left: 60px;"2. https://www.amazon.com/George-Muller-Guardian-Bristols-Christian/dp/1576581454/
3. https://www.amazon.com/Autobiography-George-Muller/dp/0883681595/
4. https://www.amazon.com/dp/1975711513
5. https://www.amazon.com/God-Will-Use-This-Good-ebook/dp/B00C5QA2DC/
6. https://www.amazon.com/Dont-Have-Enough-Faith-Atheist/dp/1433580756/
7. https://www.amazon.com/When-Faith-Forbidden-Frontlines-Persecuted/dp/080242306X/
8. https://www.amazon.com/Trusting-God-Jerry-Bridges/dp/1631467921/
9. https://www.amazon.com/dp/1631466399/
10. https://www.amazon.com/When-God-Doesnt-Make-Sense/dp/1414371152/
There are some higher levels of faith for you to consider - things that can make life uncomfortable and sometimes humiliating.
• Surrendering everything to Him. Your job, hobbies, sleep, security, comfort, conveniences, etc..
• Making every moment of your life matter for the sake of the Kingdom.
• Teaching and discipling others - through hands-on training.
In the coming months, I will add more to this section. For now, I will leave this here.
If you have questions or comments, email me here.
In His Name,
Roy