Ask Me Help Desk - What makes you a mature Christian?

What makes you a mature Christian?

Can anybody give advice on what makes you a mature Christian? Maybe share some examples. I'm considering St. Paul's advice to become mature in your faith, to not need milk like a babe. I mean so many I know are constantly going over the same old themes, Garden of Eden, Moses' life story, Noah and the Ark. Constantly rehashing every little piece of Scripture (should THIS be taken literally? ) like their life depended on it. Or those I know that talk behind my back or think they can't play certain songs or use certain bad words around me. I mean, get real. Is it reaching outside yourself, truly caring about other people whether they do in return? I will consider any answers you've got.

My 1.5 cents worth in answer to the subject line:

Treat others as you would like to be treated.

i.e.: Don't Judge others, Recognize each human to be a creation/child of God, Strive to sin less tomorrow than you did today.

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Originally Posted by wildandblue

Can anybody give advice on what makes you a mature Christian?

Understanding and practicing your faith.

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Maybe share some examples. I'm considering St. Paul's advice to become mature in your faith, to not need milk like a babe.

1 Corinthians 3 2 I gave you milk to drink, not meat; for you were not able as yet. But neither indeed are you now able; for you are yet carnal.

Even as is the practice today in all disciplines of which I'm aware, new students are introduced to new knowledge a little at a time. For instance, you don't find teachers explaining the subtleties of geometry or algebra in kindergarten. Therefore, St. Paul admits that he did the same thing with the people in Corinth. He began by giving milk because they as yet did not have a background (i.e. teeth) to understand the more difficult concepts of Christianity.

So, in order to arrive at the maturity of which St. Paul speaks, you need to study your faith.

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I mean so many I know are constantly going over the same old themes, Garden of Eden, Moses' life story, Noah and the Ark.

Have you ever heard the sayings, "practice, practice, practice" and "repetition, repetition, repetition". They aren't just valid in sports or in business. They are also valid for learning any discipline. That is why we study things over and over again. To ingrain them deep in our mind for instant recall.

Have you ever noticed how easy it is to study the things you love, but so difficult to study the things which you detest or find boring. If you are having trouble studying the Word of God, you might want to cultivate a deeper love for God before continuing. Prayer and meditation may be in order.

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Constantly rehashing every little piece of Scripture (should THIS be taken literally? ) like their life depended on it.

As a Catholic, I study Scripture according to the Tradition of the Church. There are specific instructions for when and how to take Scripture literally:

Catechism of the Catholic Church - PART 1 SECTION 1 CHAPTER 2 ARTICLE 2

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Or those I know that talk behind my back or think they can't play certain songs or use certain bad words around me. I mean, get real. Is it reaching outside yourself, truly caring about other people whether they do in return? I will consider any answers you've got.

I don't quite understand your last question. If people avoid bad words and songs with bad lyrics when you are around, it would seem you are having a good effect on them. Keep it up.

Sincerely,

De Maria

Living your faith, would you die for it, if someone came into your work place or school and put a gun to your head and was going to kill you if you would not denouce Christ, what would you do.

Christianity is a life style it is growing more in christ everyday, and it is showing your faith though your life.

Just my opinion:

1 Thes 5:16-18
James 1:2-4
Romans 12
The Psalms of David

Thanking God for everything, being completely honest with God, trusting and depending on God.

YouTube - Superchick-We Live

You should have posted this question of the Christianity Board. I'm going to tell you what is true.

This is the twenty-first century... a "mature Christian" is now a Christian who has matured enough to reject the supernatural as childish nonsense from antiquity and take up Secular Humanism. :)

Many, many Christians have serious doubts about God and even more about hell(sorry I forget the figures, you'll have to Google a reputable article for these figures).

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Originally Posted by Choux

You should have posted this question of the Christianity Board. I'm going to tell you what is true.

Nah, you're going to waste our time again with your anti-Christian bile. Perhaps one day the atheists on this board will be mature enough to respect the rights of others instead of imposing their opinions on those who obviously aren't asking for them.

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This is the twenty-first century... a "mature Christian" is now a Christian who has matured enough to reject the supernatural as childish nonsense from antiquity and take up Secular Humanism. :)

Patently ridiculous. Any person who has rejected the supernatural is by definition not a Christian.

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Many, many Christians have serious doubts about God

Perhaps, but if they still worship Christ in spite of their doubts, then they are still Christian.

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and even more about hell(sorry I forget the figures, you'll have to Google a reputable article for these figures).

I don't have to do anything except what I want and I don't want to look up anything useless. If you want to share those figures, start a thread on the number of people who no longer believe in the existence of hell.

Otherwise this thread is about how to become a mature Christian.

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Originally Posted by Fr_Chuck

if somone came into your work place or school and put a gun to your head and was going to kill you if you would not denouce Christ, what would you do.

Wouldn't it be wonderful if tests of faith were always so dramatic and unambiguous.

In practice, spiritual maturity is rooted in unadorned honesty with yourself about your thoughts, desires and motives. The particular actions that arise from these roots are not necessarily consistent or predictable from one set of circumstances to the next.

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Originally Posted by Jesus

The wind blows where it will, and you can hear the sound of it, but cannot tell where it comes from or where it is going. So is everyone who is born of the Spirit.

I like your response.

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Originally Posted by ordinaryguy

Wouldn't it be wonderful if tests of faith were always so dramatic and unambiguous.

There are other ways to demonstrate your faith and love which don't require giving up your life.

In a family, little sacrifices, like giving up a football game to be with the wife or giving up free time to be little league coach for your son or taking time to teach your daughter how to dance. These demonstrate your faithfulness and love for your family.

In the same way, giving up time to pray with and meditate on God and His Word, giving up time to teach His doctrines and commandments, giving up material goods in obedience to His teachings. These little sacrifices demonstrate your faithfulness and love of God just as well. And perhaps even more, because you must exercise your will repeatedly to do the little things.

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In practice, spiritual maturity is rooted in unadorned honesty with yourself about your thoughts, desires and motives.

I would have to agree.

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The particular actions that arise from these roots are not necessarily consistent or predictable from one set of circumstances to the next.

This is the one thing with which I disagree. If you are faithful to God according to Christian teaching, the actions from these roots are necessarily consistent and predictable. A mature Christian bears fruit which is visible in the works of faith which proceed from His love of God. Without these works, which are the signs of his faithfulness, it is debatable that the person is a true Christian:

John 13 35 By this shall all men know that you are my disciples, if you have love one for another.

John 15 4 Abide in me, and I in you. As the branch cannot bear fruit of itself, unless it abide in the vine, so neither can you, unless you abide in me. 5 I am the vine: you the branches: he that abideth in me, and I in him, the same beareth much fruit: for without me you can do nothing. 6 If any one abide not in me, he shall be cast forth as a branch, and shall wither, and they shall gather him up, and case him into the fire, and be burneth. 7 If you abide in me, and my words abide in you, you shall ask whatever you will, and it shall be done unto you. 8 In this is my Father glorified; that you bring forth very much fruit, and become my disciples. 9 As the Father hath loved me, I also have loved you. 10 If you keep my commandments, you shall abide in my love; as I also have kept my Father's commandments, and do abide in his love.

Sincerely,

De Maria

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Originally Posted by wildandblue

Can anybody give advice on what makes you a mature Christian?

Although I am not a Christian, my reply to that question is a valid one for everyone and for every worldview.

A true and mature "Christian" is a "Christian" who shows by his/her actions and posture that he/she identifies and involves the "Christian religion" in all parts of his/her life.

This in contrast with that majority of believers who "do what has to be done", prefer to pick the cherries out of the bowl of life, and cut corners where ever possible.

:)

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Originally Posted by Credendovidis

Although I am not a Christian, my reply to that question is a valid one for everyone and for every worldview.

A true and mature "Christian" is a "Christian" who shows by his/her actions and posture that he/she identifies and involves the "Christian religion" in all parts of his/her life.

This in contrast with that majority of believers who "do what has to be done", prefer to pick the cherries out of the bowl of life, and cut corners where ever possible.

:)

Good answer. Thanks.

Posted by CHOUX: [Many, many Christians have serious doubts about God and even more about hell(sorry I forget the figures, you'll have to Google a reputable article for these figures).[/QUOTE] ]
No I have no doubts about God or Christ. I know he is real and he is near. Ten years ago I was in a head on collision which I came through without a scratch even though my car didn't have airbags. That whole day I'd had a strange feeling, walking around as though my feet were barely touching the ground. I'm convinced God held me in his arms that day, like that poem where you see only one set of footprints in the sand at pivotal times in your life.

IN THE BOX, I also love reading all the stories about David (one of Jesus' ancestors, after all). Until I started making a personal study of the Bible I didn't even know that James was Christ's little brother. I didn't know that Joseph and Mary had any other kids. You only hear about their firstborn, the famous one. So to me what James has to say is very important. I mean, he grew up with Jesus as his older brother. How cool is that? But I must say a lot of times I'm tempted to think like Joab, David's army commander. "Let us show ourselves to be valiant men, and as for the LORD, he will do whatever he decides to do." And you know he got killed in the temple.

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Originally Posted by wildandblue

No I have no doubts about God or Christ. I know he is real and he is near. Ten years ago I was in a head on collision which I came through without a scratch even though my car didn't have airbags. That whole day I'd had a strange feeling, walking around as though my feet were barely touching the ground. I'm convinced God held me in his arms that day, like that poem where you see only one set of footprints in the sand at pivotal times in your life.

Well, I've been driving and riding in cars and trucks and farm machinery for over 60 years, and I've never had even one serious accident or injury. Nor have I ever had a life-threatening or disabling illness. Do I have better evidence for God's existence than you do?

No, Wildblue is grateful and thankful to God.

Those who don't believe in God, what are they thankful for? Chance? Good luck?

Death gets us all in the end.

The Bible tells us there will be suffering, the mature Christian understands this and our hope and trust is in the almighty no matter the circumstance. We bring it all to Him.

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Originally Posted by inthebox

Those who don't believe in God, what are they thankful for? Chance? good luck?

I just don't see how surviving one or more narrow escapes can be construed as evidence for the existence of God. I don't see that it has any bearing on the question.

I was not attempting to persuade anyone for or against the existence of God. I was just giving an example for why I personally believe in Him. My question is for mature Christians, asking for their advice and guidance. And it's not like I'm saying I had a sudden conversion at that moment, I've been a believer all my life but lukewarm I guess. I never did realize why God chose to "spare my life" at that moment. Years later I suspected He wanted me to be there to save someone else's life and that person went on to save a lot of other people and he made a big difference in this world. I don't mean "save" in the born again sense but in the call 911 do CPR!! Sense. It would make a great book or movie but it had a lot of tragedy and bittersweet endings. But I'm still here so can't really say how the story ends.

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Originally Posted by RickJ

My 1.5 cents worth in answer to the subject line:

Treat others as you would like to be treated.

i.e.: Don't Judge others, Recognize each human to be a creation/child of God, Strive to sin less tomorrow than you did today.

Thank you, Rick. I guess you found out what I was up to yesterday somehow. Is this about that fistfight I got into with Blairwtsn? Because, well... OK I guess I did start it. Sorry.

DeMaria,

Credendovidis was insulting you and others. :) He's an atheist.

I was told by management that since there is no atheist board, this is the board I can use to have discussion with religionists and other atheists.

So, knock off your attitude toward me. :)

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Originally Posted by wildandblue

Can anybody give advice on what makes you a mature Christian? Maybe share some examples. I'm considering St. Paul's advice to become mature in your faith, to not need milk like a babe. I mean so many I know are constantly going over the same old themes, Garden of Eden, Moses' life story, Noah and the Ark. Constantly rehashing every little piece of Scripture (should THIS be taken literally??) like their life depended on it. Or those I know that talk behind my back or think they can't play certain songs or use certain bad words around me. I mean, get real. Is it reaching outside your self, truly caring about other people whether they do in return? I will consider any answers you've got.

I never consider myself a mature believer of God. I am and always will be, a child of God.
Thirsting for his love, guidance and knowledge, to help me do better, think better, and love my brothers and sisters better.

I think the day I consider myself a mature believer, I may cease from growing and loving
As a child of God.

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Originally Posted by Choux

DeMaria, Credendovidis was insulting you and others. :) He's an atheist. I was told by management that since there is no atheist board, this is the board I can use to have discussion with religionists and other atheists. So, knock off your attitude toward me. :)

Dear MS :

I try not to insult people. But many here have extremely long religious toes, on which it is easy to stand, even when you do not intend to do so. What people like De Maria do not understand is that I have here just the same right to express my views as a theist has to express his/her religious views.
Please note that we are both Secular Humanists. Use than name. Some people here get so easily upset... Let's not ruin their piece of peace of mind...

:)

This is the Religious discussion board, all religions from Christians, Islam, Buddhist, no faith, or the ** what is it the pasta god or something they joke about

So in this all sides must keep it very "friendly" to a point, I believe Choux was wrong I do not see Credendovidis as insulting as merely being direct
Posting on these disccusion boards require a little tough skin.

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Originally Posted by Fr_Chuck

... I do not see Credendovidis as insulting as merely being direct
Posting on these disccusion boards require alittle tough skin.

"Amen" to that Fr. Chuck !

;)

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Originally Posted by Credendovidis

"Amen" to that Fr. Chuck !

;)

? Was that a prayer we caught you in?

May get you doing a hail mary before it is over

I apologize, Credendo, I made a mistake; you are always gentlemanly. I just get so frustrated dealing with Christian troublemakers that it gets the best of me. :)

Again, so sorry!

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Originally Posted by wildandblue

Can anybody give advice on what makes you a mature Christian? Maybe share some examples. I'm considering St. Paul's advice to become mature in your faith, to not need milk like a babe. I mean so many I know are constantly going over the same old themes, Garden of Eden, Moses' life story, Noah and the Ark. Constantly rehashing every little piece of Scripture (should THIS be taken literally??) like their life depended on it. Or those I know that talk behind my back or think they can't play certain songs or use certain bad words around me. I mean, get real. Is it reaching outside your self, truly caring about other people whether they do in return? I will consider any answers you've got.

There are something that even if you don't beleve in a God may still have some historical correctness. For Moses, there is some digs showing the lack of use of straw in the making of the bricks and death of the first born, that do connect with the slaves leaving. Now does that make Moses real, for a Christian yes, for a non christian it may only mean that there was some real facts of history included in the writing of the bible.

As for the Flood,Noah there are again digs that show a major regional flood over what would have been the known world at that time. Ok, not a world wide flood but to me good enough to prove there was a flood to others it may go on to say no it was just a local flood
And of course the ark would be rotted away by most guesses and would really the finding of a large boat some place where it should not be, really prove it to the unbeleiver.

So at the worst, to a Christian, there are evidences that something happened similar to the bible story. For the Chistian we teach that this is how it happened, the non will say ( if they believe the facts happened ) was that perhaps in Egypt there was a slave revolt and the slaves left and latter in story had their god saving them, or in the flood since a few people did survive, they were told that it was their god.

To me I have my faith and belief so I don't doubt it ( bible) as the truth.

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Originally Posted by Fr_Chuck

?? was that a prayer we caught you in??
May get you doing a hail mary before it is over

LOL!!
Didn't you notice that I posted "Amen" instead of Amen ?

;)

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Originally Posted by Choux

I apologize, Credendo, I made a mistake; you are always gentlemanly. I just get so frustrated dealing with Christian troublemakers that it gets the best of me. :) Again, so sorry!

No problem at all, dear MS, and no need to apologize!! I assumed that already more or less !
:)

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Originally Posted by ordinaryguy

Well, I've been driving and riding in cars and trucks and farm machinery for over 60 years, and I've never had even one serious accident or injury. Nor have I ever had a life-threatening or disabling illness. Do I have better evidence for God's existence than you do?

Well to me this shows God believes quite a bit in you, whether you return the favor. And Jesus is heavily into agriculture, you know. He calls Himself a shepherd tending his flock. You and I can learn a lot from this guy, if we just listen to His voice.

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Originally Posted by wildandblue

Well to me this shows God believes quite a bit in you, whether or not you return the favor.

I take it as a given that God believes in me, but I doubt that he's much concerned about whether I return the favor. And I don't think what happens in the physical world, whether "good" or "bad", reflects in any way on his attitude toward me personally.

[to reply to Ordinary Guy]Well remember the story about how God would leave 99 sheep in the wilderness just to go back to look for one who was straying. About how there's much joy in heaven when a sinner returns to the fold. About how the loyal son got jealous over the fuss his father made when the prodigal son returned home to his family. And when you raise a child, if he does the wrong thing later, maybe gets into trouble, you yourself feel personally responsible--maybe I wasn't a good father, maybe I didn't raise him right? Is it my fault he turned out like that? And even if you know you tried your best you suspect other people are thinking that sort of thing, and you'd feel bad. So I try to make any passing thoughts God might have about me,his child, hopefully good ones...

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Originally Posted by wildandblue

Well remember the story about how God would leave 99 sheep in the wilderness .....

Precisely : a story you may or may not believe. The bible is full of them...

;)

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Originally Posted by Credendovidis

Precisely : a story you may or may not believe. The bible is full of them ...

;)

Well the Bible is a book. Books are full stories. This particular book has been proofread by hundreds of thousands of people, so maybe the facts have been checked for accuracy a little more thoroughly than your average book. And many of the people in there are known to have existed, they are not made up fictional characters. You can sort of learn from other people's mistakes without having to repeat them yourself.

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Originally Posted by wildandblue

Well the Bible is a book. Books are full stories.

So far we agree...

As I just posted to sassyT :

If the Bible is the book by God for all human beings, and that God is all powerful and omniscient, etc. than why does the Bible contain so many of these faults?
Note that these faults are not translation faults. Neither are they printing faults. They are faults that are the result of different human scribents introducing some story they heard earlier into their paper that later was used to make up the Bible.

A deity that is claimed to be perfect and that is claimed to have created the entire universe with everything in it in 6 days only, seems incapable of producing fault free Bibles in all languages that every human being can understand without the need for a weekly interpreter located in a big house with a huge tower on top of it...

What a poor qualities for a deity that is claimed to be "perfect"!!

:D

Well Jesus started with a couple of fishermen, men who were "unlettered and ordinary" He wasn't publishing a book, he never wrote a gospel, that was done by the Apostles and others further down the line to witness to people after those men were gone. Jesus mainly spoke face to face with people. I mean anybody that is thinking the Bible is so important, have they read the passage in Ezekiel where it says, throw this book away into the water after you have read it? Don't see too many Bibles floating around when you go down to the water.

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Originally Posted by wildandblue

So I try to make any passing thoughts God might have about me,his child, hopefully good ones....

I'm sure they are, but the safety and health of our physical body isn't the way to test him, because eventually, that well will dry up.

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Originally Posted by wildandblue

You can sort of learn from other people's mistakes without having to repeat them yourself.

Yep, and from their successes as well. That's what stories are for, it seems to me. Strict correspondence with actual historical events and persons isn't what makes them useful or important.

Yes that's why in my original question I spoke about people who pick over every little scrap of Scripture like their life depended on it.

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Originally Posted by wildandblue

... the passage in Ezekiel where it says, throw this book away into the water after you have read it ...

Well : I did read it, and than I did throw it away afterwards. Have you not seen it floating around ?

:D

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Originally Posted by Credendovidis

Well : I did read it, and than I did throw it away afterwards. Have you not seen it floating around ?

:D

You go girl!:D

Well I looked through Ezekiel trying to find that passage, or was it in Daniel? Haven't tossed my Bible away yet, you know. And there is a lot of stuff in Ezekiel about mature faith, the shepherd caring for the sheep not just feeding himself. Of course Ezekiel is in the Old Testament so it doesn't actually say Christian maturity.