A Call to Maturity: The Responsibility of the Believer

As children of God, there are certain rights we are entitled to that come with the territory. Unfortunately, for gain and perversion, certain portions of God’s word are twisted and the hearers are at a loss for it. We were warned in God’s word to know God for ourselves and to always go back to the Scriptures to make sure that what we have been taught is in line with God’s word. You and I have that responsibility. It is not the responsibility of the speaker to make you convinced concerning the teaching but you must go back and compare what you have heard with God’s word. This will help you to mature in God’s word and you would not be hoodwinked by those that pervert Scriptures for their gain. In Colossians 2:4 and 8: “I am saying this so that no one will deceive you with persuasive arguments…Be careful that no one takes you captive through philosophy and empty deceit based on human tradition, based on the elemental forces of the world, and not based on Christ”. These traps seem to fall in line with what God says but only a heart that is discerning and truly rooted in the truth of God's word will see through the lies of the enemy.

We must understand that there is only one truth in this world: The truth is timeless, meticulous and infallible; and this truth is God's word. It is not grounded on traditions, man’s opinion that is structured by sentiments or guarded by human wisdom because: “Lord, Your word is forever; it is firmly fixed in heaven” (Psalm 119:89). Due to the fascination to wanting to know what the Lord is saying, several have strayed from the undiluted word of God. Friend, irrespective of what the "NOW" word of God is, it will never go contrary to His written word. In Ephesians 4:14, God's children are warned to be careful of the "wind of doctrine" in the quest for wanting to know the NOW word so as not to be blown or carried away. Why this requires great sensitivity is because like the wind you neither know where it is coming from or where it is going, its impact is felt and seen long after its gone. As the DAY draws near when Christ will return, God has embarked on marking and sealing His own; this "wind of doctrine" is the measuring line and the test board. Only those that truly believe His word and worship Him in spirit and truth will escape the evil perversions of this age. Only those joined with Jesus Christ will distinguish themselves as true children of God (John 15:5).

Therefore, God encourages us as His children to avoid myths and tales but to train ourselves in godliness which is beneficial for this life and the life to come (1Timothy 4:7). This godliness can only be achieved by constant spiritual exercise of studying, meditating and practicing the word of God; then maturity comes. We must mature as members of the Body of Christ so as to distinguish between God's truth and the lies of the devil in this perverse times we live in. God Bless you as you apply your heart and mind to this.