As we’ve seen, 1 Corinthians
What can you expect when you reach this maturity? Before we start looking at some of these characteristics, I want to emphasize one point.
THESE ARE NOT MODELS FOR BEHAVIOR FOR US TO TRY TO FOLLOW; BUT ARE THE RESULTS OF REACHING MATURITY IN YOUR THINKING.
It’s not act this way, and then you’ll be mature; it’s reach maturity, and you will act this way.
The first characteristic is maximum contentment. This is a mental attitude that equates adversity and prosperity, living and dying, good times and bad times. It’s a total confidence in the power of God, and recognition of His plan and control regarding our circumstances.
Probably the most familiar passage related to this principle is:
Philippians 4:11-13
11 Not that I speak from want, for I have learned to be content in whatever circumstances I am.
12 I know how to get along with humble means, and I also know how to live in prosperity; in any and every circumstance I have learned the secret of being filled and going hungry, both of having abundance and suffering need.
13 I can do all things through Him who strengthens me.
Don’t think of this as “I’m so happy because I won the lottery.” That’s a human happiness that we can imagine. This is WAY BEYOND that happiness! It’s the happiness of God:
John 15:11
11 "These things I have spoken to you so that My joy may be in you, and that your joy may be
made full. (that’s
complete or mature!)
Notice again where this joy comes from – the things Jesus spoke to them! It’s the Word of God again!
What can this happiness of God do for you? It can give you peace, a relaxed mental attitude, and contentment that is INDEPENDENT of your circumstances! Are you unhappy with any situation in your life? When you reach maturity, and share the happiness of God, you won’t be! It’s a matter of trusting your Father in every circumstance, and recognizing that He knows what is best for you, and can accomplish it.
Look what Jesus endured because of this perfect happiness:
Hebrews 12:1-3
1 Therefore, since we have so great a cloud of witnesses surrounding us, let us also lay aside every encumbrance and the sin which so easily entangles us, and let us run with endurance the race that is set before us,
2 fixing our eyes on Jesus, the author and perfecter of faith, who for the joy set before Him endured the cross, despising the shame, and has sat down at the right hand of the throne of God.
3 For consider Him who has endured such hostility by sinners against Himself, so that you will not grow weary and lose heart.
If this perfect joy of Jesus Christ that can be made complete in us got Jesus through the humiliation and pain of the Cross, imagine how easily it can handle our little problems!