(By Christopher Ocaya)
"JUST GROW UP"
OVERVIEW OF THE BOOK OF JAMES
God’s will for every person is personal growth and maturity. The book of James defines what maturity is.WHAT MATURITY ISN’T:
- It is not Age
- It is not Appearance
- It is not Accomplishment or achievement
- It is not Education
- It is not Riding ability
God says maturity is determined by Attitude
5 Marks of Maturity
A mature person is Positive under pressure
“Consider it pure joy, whenever you face trials of many kinds, because you know the testing of your faith develops perseverance and perseverance must finish its work so that you may be mature and complete not lacking anything.”
(James 1:2-4)
“Blessed is the man who perseveres under trial, because when he has stood the test, he will receive the crown of life that God promised to those who love Him.” (James 2:8)
A mature person is Sensitive to people
“If you really keep the royal law found in the Scripture, “love your neighbor as yourself” you are doing right.” (James 2:8)
(Also see 2:1-6, 14-16)
A mature person has Mastered his mouth
“We all stumble in many ways. If anyone is never at fault in what he says, he is a perfect man, able to keep his whole body in check.” (James 3:2) (Also see 3:11)“Do not let any negative talk come out of your mouth but only what is helpful for building up others according to their needs…” (Eph. 4:29)
“If anyone considers himself religious and yet does not keep a tight reign on his tongue, he deceives himself and his religion is worthless.” (James 1:26)
A mature person is patient
“Be patient then brothers, until the Lord’s coming… As you know, we consider blessed those who persevere.” (James 5:7, 11)A mature person is prayerful
“The prayer of a righteous man is powerful and effective.” (James 5:16b)HOW DO YOU RATE YOUR MATURITY?
How do you handle problems? Do we get up tight, negative, grumble, gripe, complain or do we trust and praise God when “stuff” stinks?
Are we sensitive to other people? Are we concerned about their needs, desires, cares, hurts, or do we see only ourselves? Do we only pray for ourselves or do we pray for others?
Can we manage our mouth? Have we learned to put a muzzle on it sometimes and just not speak? When we have a juicy tidbit of gossip and it’s tempting because knowledge is power, do we share it…? So others can pray about it.
Are we a troublemaker or are we a peacemaker? Do we have a tendency to stir things up? Do we have a hair trigger temper where someone can tick us off quickly? Do we carry a grudge? Are we peacemakers?
How long can we wait for an answer to prayer without giving up? May be God has every intention of giving it but He is waiting to teach us maturity.
God’s desire is that we “Grow up”. Look back; are you a more mature person than you were 1 year ago… 5 years ago?
Christopher Ocaya
