To be "spiritually mature" is to be a Christian who applies the word of God to all aspects of his life and displays the fruitage of the spirit as described in the Bible which he receives because he loves goodness and sincerely wishes to please his creator. This criterion if followed would be sufficient. However, there is sometimes another criterion. This ill-founded idea is that the more frequently and intensely a person preaches the gospel the more spiritually mature he is. Why? Well, because he supposedly is showing greater appreciation for truth than those who are less visibly active in this activity.
Of course that MIGHT be true sometimes, but unfortunately for those who consider this criterion flawless, such is not always the case. The motives for any given human behavior are complex and varied and multiple reasons for any given behavior might exist. So it is unwise to try to always draw one conclusion from one particular behavior-in this case, spiritual maturity. Just as there are multiple reasons someone might go to the movies, for example, boredom at home, anger, looking for companionship, loneliness, fleeing from the law, murder in mind, interest in the film, work assignment, and so forth, there are likewise multiple reasons someone might be frantically preaching.
Some persons simply like the privileges or attention they gain by being considered spiritually mature by others at church. Still others might be frantically preaching because they are terrorized that they are going to die at God's hands if they don't. So my sincere recommendation is that the intensity-and-frequency-of-preaching criterion be given less weight in this matter. Why? Because individuals given privileges based upon a supposed spiritual maturity are like loose canons which can be used by Satan to cut a swathe of destruction through the ranks of those who are really spiritually mature and who genuinely show it be displaying the fruit of the spirit and not just by moving their bodies from one place to another and mechanically flapping their jaws.
Galatians 5:22
But the fruit of the Spirit is love, joy, peace, longsuffering, gentleness, goodness, faith,
Ephesians 5:9
(For the fruit of the Spirit is in all goodness and righteousness and truth;)
KJV
Any thoughts?
Actually, the reason I posted this is twofold. First, to bring this idiocy to the attention of those who are practicing it, and believe me--there are millions, and perhaps in that way bring about at least some change either at an individual or organizational level.
Second, to prevent the gullible from being victimized by such a claim.
Third, to get opinions.
However, if opinions are not forthcoming as I get the impression that they will not be, I will be satisfied with the other two results. No problemo, : )