Tuesday, May 26, 2009

Maturity

Steve Covey wrote that we all create thing twice. First, we create them in our inner life. Then, we create them in the world. So, the shape of our inner life determines what flows out of our lives. Our character,  temperament, perspectives, worldview and experiences give birth to our actions.

James seeks to demonstrate that a proper walk with God produces proper actions. So, he encourages:

  • Right response to trial/temptation
  • “doing” the word
  • Fair treatment of people
  • Faith and works
  • Right speech
  • Wisdom and its deeds
  • Being friends with God
  • Being content
  • Right use of wealth
  • Being patient
  • Being honest
  • Being devoted to prayer
  • Encouragement to follow the Truth

The life of a Jesus-follower oscillates back and forth between flection, listening and absorbing to doing, loving and obeying. Doing allows the grace, love and spirit of God to flow from us.

The filling of the Holy Spirit alone does not produce fruit or promote spiritual maturity. The flow of the Holy spirit produces fruit and promotes spiritual maturity.

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