You can read parts 1-6 of this blog by clicking on the Archives link on the left hand side of your screen or the Older Entries link at the bottom of the page.
To review: The marks of maturity are…
- Valuing spiritual things ahead of natural things
- Deadness to censure of praise
- How to handle correction
- Handling positive praise
The fifth and final mark of maturity is keeping pride out!
5. Pride
Immature people are especially susceptible to pride when they are used by God or promoted too fast. In fact, God warns us about promoting people too fast for this very reason.
In articulating the qualifications for a bishop, the Apostle Paul makes the following statement.
1 Timothy 3:6 …not a novice, lest being puffed up with pride he fall into the same condemnation as the devil.
Listen to the New Living Translation.
1 Timothy 3:6, NLT An elder must not be a new Christian, because he might be proud of being chosen so soon, and the Devil will use that pride to make him fall.
Pride can develop easier when people are immature and praised. God in His awesome goodness warns us not to promote people too quickly.
What are the marks of maturity? What do we need to work towards in our own life?
-Valuing spiritual things more than natural things
-Not being side-tracked by criticism
-Learning how to handle correction and praise
-Keeping pride out
I trust that this will be a help as you make 2010 your year to GROW!