Don’t Fear Maturity - a podcast by David K Payne

“Maturity, one discovers, has everything to do with the acceptance of ‘not knowing.” 
― Mark Z. Danielewski,

For the religious, the thought of spiritual growth and evolution is a foreign concept. We miss the admonitions of biblical writers challenging believers to grow in their faith lives. The lie that real maturity or truth is what someone else says makes religious environments a breeding ground for pretending to be, based on the group or circumstances. One example of this was Paul taking Peter to task regarding his willingness to eat with Gentiles as long as no other Jews were around. Though this is a small example, it is an expression of human nature in general. We are driven by the need for acceptance and a longing to fit in and find community. Religious environments not only cause people to pretend to be, to fit in, but these environments are proven to prey on people at the most vulnerable moments in their lives.

I have no problem with the declarations of Paul when he declares himself a “slave of Christ,” but Paul was never a mental slave to the religious pressures of his day. Paul walked his own course and intentionally avoided the religious of his day for several years to establish his personal identity in Christ. The true end of total submission to Christ is freedom. We are no longer bound to the ideals and restrictions of others, but we are set free to pursue life with a passion and vigor that is without fear.

One reason there is so much resistance to spiritual maturity is that as we develop our own identities, we are less dependent upon others and especially those we have allowed to dictate our everyday lives. It is tragic that so many continue year after year to embrace the same messages, restrictions, attitudes, and lifestyles while condemning all who dare to develop a different view from theirs. The saddest part of this is all the while they condemn others for walking their own paths, the ones condemning others are unhappy, stagnant and filled with doubts themselves. The crippling force that keeps many from growing is fear. Fear of the judgment of those we love, and respect, and fear of the unknown, fear of freedom itself.  Like children growing into adulthood but afraid to move out of their parent’s home, religion grips us and holds us hostage to its tenants and ideals robbing us of the life promised in the scripture’s religion claims to support.

The proclamations of the prophets, the teachings of the wise, of the apostles and most importantly of Christ all support growth, change, freedom, and life. The central truth of the New Covenant is that you will no longer need man, but the Spirit will direct you. Christ warns that the resistance we get from following Him will be the judgment of those closest to us. But in spite of the opposition and misunderstanding, purpose in your heart to grow. Expect the rejection of those closest to you. But, embrace the life that follows and encourages others to grow and be free.

Just Be

David

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