Value of Scripture- 3

Study the Bible for MATURITY.
Second Timothy 3:16-17 tells us, “All Scripture is inspired by God and is useful to teach us what is true and to make us realize what is wrong in our lives. It corrects us when we are wrong and teaches us to do what is right. 17 God uses it to prepare and equip his people to do every good work.” That is maturity on the highest plane.

Hebrews 5:13-14 also addresses the issue of maturity. For someone who lives on milk is still an infant and doesn’t know how to do what is right. 14 Solid food is for those who are mature, who through training have the skill to recognize the difference between right and wrong.

Spiritual milk is listening to others expound on the Gospel – written or verbal. Nothing wrong with that. Just go on to add to the milk, meat. Meat, meaning digging into Scripture, meditating on it, memorizing it, studying it, producing a maturity that is stable and growing.

Maturity is best tested in adversity. How we handle the curve balls life throws at us is a measure of emotional / spiritual development. James 1:2-4 gives us a seemingly unattainable challenge in navigating tumultuous waters.
“Dear brothers and sisters, when troubles come your way, consider it an opportunity for great joy. 3 For you know that when your faith is tested, your endurance has a chance to grow. 4 So let it grow, for when your endurance is fully developed, you will be perfect and complete, needing nothing.”

The Message gives an interesting slant to the James passage. “Consider it a sheer gift, friends, when tests and challenges come at you from all sides. You know that under pressure, your faith-life is forced into the open and shows its true colors. So don't try to get out of anything prematurely. Let it do its work so you become mature and well-developed, not deficient in any way.”

Did you hear that? “Mature and well-developed, not deficient in any way.” Mature.
To “get out of anything prematurely” is a natural response. Who doesn’t want to get out of pain or turmoil? Even Jesus in Gethsemane prays, “take this cup from me;” or, “I’d sure not prefer going through this crucifixion plan, Father.” That was His human response and initially that will be ours also. However, Christ set the bar when He said, “not my will but yours, Father.”

Initially our response to a pain of some sort is, “ouch. I want out.” But as we grow in our knowledge of God and know increasingly deeper His love and care for us our maturity passes the test when we can say, “Father, I’d prefer not going through this. However, you are sovereign, all powerful, and could prevent this experience from happening. So show me how I can benefit from the trauma I’m experiencing.”

How sweet it is when we can know and trust God so well that we can face anything that life throws at us with an expectant, positive attitude – that all is well.