MATURITY AS GROWTH

John 12:24AMP I assure you, most solemnly I tell you, Unless a grain of wheat falls into the earth and dies, it remains [just one grain; it never becomes more but lives] by itself alone. But if it dies, it produces many others and yields a rich harvest.

Mark 4:26 – 29 AMP

And He said, The kingdom of God is like a man who scatters seed upon the ground, And then continues sleeping and rising night and day while the seed sprouts and grows and  increases — he knows not how. The earth produces [acting] by itself — first the blade, then the ear, then the full grain in the ear. But when the grain is ripe and permits, immediately he sends forth [the reapers] and puts in the sickle, because the harvest stands ready.

Just like the scientific description of seed germination, Growth is describe our text evidently. Seeds need the right conditions to germinate else might have to wait for years. It needs moisture, oxygen and the right temperature to germinate (some seeds need light while others need darkness). When conditions are right, the seeds start taking in water and gets bigger until the coat splits apart. Air can then, get to the seed. The oxygen in the air helps the baby plant burn up the food stored in the embryo of the seed producing energy for its growth. The first direction of growth is downwards (begins to grow roots).

As we discuss this concept of Growth, let’s look at the true meaning of Maturity as growth from Biblical Perspective. There are several reasons why maturity is vitally important to us.

1. It is impossible for you to have a meaningful relationship and to truly love another person unless you are somewhere mature or willing to grow
2. Growth and maturity are taught in the word of God
3. Growth and maturity give life dynamic quality and direction

A comprehensive study of the word, Maturity can’t be achieved without laying out TWO distinct principles.

1. The Principles of Integration (Every aspects of discipline is involved)
2. The Principle of Wholeness (the Whole Person – The total being of the person is involved)

“Maturity is the dynamic process of understanding the meaning of life and realizing a balance between physical, psychological, social and spiritual aspects of life, that enables a person to satisfy his needs, live in harmony with God, others and himself, and make a meaningful contribution to life and the kingdom of God.”

There are six major divisions, we need to outline from the definition of Maturity;

1. Maturity is a dynamic process – Philippians 3:12 – 14
2. Maturity gives meaning to life – Matthew 22:35 – 40
3. Maturity involves and gives balance
4. Maturity proves for the satisfaction of needs
5. Maturity leads to Harmony in Relationship
6. Maturity leads to a sense of contribution to life and the kingdom.

Let’s consider these divisions one after the other, as sub-headings.

A.    MATURITY IS A DYNAMIC PROCESS

It is a continuum, an ongoing endeavour. Jesus made this known in His parable to the disciples.

And He said, The kingdom of God is like a man who scatters seed upon the ground, And then continues sleeping and rising night and day while the seed sprouts and grows and  increases — he knows not how. The earth produces [acting] by itself — first the blade, then the ear, then the full grain in the ear. But when the grain is ripe and permits, immediately he sends forth [the reapers] and puts in the sickle, because the harvest stands ready. Mark 4:26 – 29 AMP

This suggests to us that the Kingdom of God, is a realm of Growth which has to do with the process of living. It’s not achieved or possess once and for all in life. From the above scripture we could identify the characteristics of growth as it relates to its dynamics.

CHARACTERISTICS OF GROWTH

1. It can be defined or described (the process of increasing – to make greater Zechariah 10:8, Acts 9:22; Colossians 2:19) Ever increasing world. In my being useful for God, can I say it has increase? It’s to become…You must have a picture in mind.
2. Increasing
3. Developing
4. Improving

It is development (It means to be matured, to elaborate, to advance, to expand/expansion)

Improving – to make or become better, your sermon, character, relationship with people, your obedience to God.

2. Growth is Seasonal. Try to maintain the tempo of your growth.
3. Growth is visible, observable, noticeable, perceptible, its apparent. Learn to acknowledge growth in others!
4. Growth can be easily mistaken (we may be misguided by what we call growth)
5. Growth is assessed – Character, financial, preaching, level of faithfulness, loyalty, commitment, eloquence, judge yourself (II Corinthians 13:5)
6. Growth cannot be easily compared across ministries, organizations or aspects of life.
7. Growth has to be ensured; it can easily be distracted.
8. One profound evidence of Growth is Reproduction – Multiplication.