Not everybody who grows old, grows up. There is a big difference between age and maturity. Ideally, the older we are, the more mature we should be but too often the ideal does not become what we see actually happen. The result is problems, problems in our personal lives, in our homes, and in our churches. Problems in these areas are caused by immaturity more than by anything else. If Christians would just grow up, they would become victors instead of victims.

The letter of James was written to help us understand and reach spiritual maturity. He says “that ye may be perfect(complete) and entire(whole), wanting nothing, Jas 1:4. Spiritual maturity is one of the greatest needs not only in churches but also in the world today. God is looking for mature men and women to carry on His work, however sometimes all He can find are little children who cannot even get along with each other! James wrote to meet this need, so his epistle is very relevant to our times today!

How can we get the most out of this letter? First, we must be “born again”. You’ve heard the term “born again christian”, well there’s no other kind. Apart from spiritual birth there can be no spiritual maturity. James writes with the assumption that his readers have been born again Jas 1:18. This "rebirth" is brought about by obedience to the Word of God 1 Pet 1:22-23. It involves being "born again of water and Spirit" John 3:5 understood to refer to baptism Mark 16:16, Titus 3:5. So to benefit the most from the book of James, we must have been born again through obedience to the truth, Acts 2:38-39.

Second, we must honestly examine ourselves in the light of God’s word. James compares the Word of God to a mirror, Jas 1:22. As we study the Word we are looking into the divine mirror and seeing ourselves as we really are. We must be honest about what we see and not merely glance at the image and walk away. Third, we must “obey” what God teaches no matter what the cost. We must be "doers" of the Word, and not "hearers" only. The "blessing" does not come in studying the Word, but in doing the Word, Jas 1:25. Fourth, we must be prepared for some extra trials and testing. Whenever we are serious about spiritual growth, the enemy gets serious about opposing us! However, if you wish to develop the patience that spiritual maturity brings, you should expect some trials, Jas 1:3, but in the end it will be worth it, Jas 1:12. Finally, we must measure our growth by the word of God. We should not measure ourselves by comparing ourselves to other Christians, 2 Cor 10:12, but to God’s word and to His Son.

Remember, not everyone who grows old, grows up. There is often a huge difference between age and maturity. Mature Christians are: happy Christians, despite the trials they face; useful Christians, overcoming the temptations that cross their path; Christians who help and encourage others and build their local churches.

Send comments or questions to the Clintwood Church of Christ, POB 746, Clintwood, Va. 24228 or E-mail me at bryanwa@ntelos.net Check out our web page at clintwoodchurchofchrist.com