When we start a new discipline in any school, or college, we have the curriculum. The success of the student is dependent on the ability to go through the courses and replicate the teachings of the studies in the finals. In the same manner, the born-again child should search and understand the culture of God.
Many scriptural verses describe this growing in God’s culture using various imagery 1Peter 2:2 “as newborn babes, desire the pure milk of the word, that you may grow thereby.”
The Word of God is the foundation. When we read the Word of God and obey it (righteous living), the Holy Spirit becomes activated in us, we sense the presence of God in our lives, and the leading of the Holy Spirit. This is the path to Christian maturity; our lives do not always have to depend on the Church leaders or their life style but on the Word of God.
Let’s see what David says in the book of Psalms,” How can a young man cleanse his way? By taking heed according to Your word. 10 With my whole heart I have sought You; Oh, let me not wander from Your commandments! 11 Your word I have hidden in my heart, that I might not sin against You! 12 Blessed are You, O Lord! Teach me Your statutes! 13 With my lips I have declared All the judgments of Your mouth. 14 I have rejoiced in the way of Your testimonies, As much as in all riches. 15 I will meditate on Your precepts, and contemplate Your ways. 16 I will delight myself in Your statutes; I will not forget Your word.” (119:9-16).
Christian maturity is a lifestyle in Christ not a religion.
” Christianity is not a religion because it does not involve humanity’s attempt to reach God, but rather God’s attempt to reach humanity. Christianity is centered on a personal relationship between a creator God and His human creation. It’s about a loving God who initiates the relationship by revealing who He is to His human creation by coming to us in the person of Jesus. Through the life, death and resurrection of Jesus a person is given the way to become acceptable to God who is holy and experience the true meaning for their life” (Religion vs Christianity (https: churchonthecorner.us).
The child of God who walks intimately with God does not have to be a victim to the negative trend of a group or society, because the eyes are fixed on Jesus through the Word, which is the compass.
Let’s see what Jesus talks about Christian maturity (intimacy)
“Therefore whoever hears these sayings of Mine, and does them, I will liken him to a wise man who built his house on the rock: and the rain descended, the floods came, and the winds blew and beat on that house; and it did not fall, for it was founded on the rock.
“But everyone who hears these sayings of Mine, and does not do them, will be like a foolish man who built his house on the sand: and the rain descended, the floods came, and the winds blew and beat on that house; and it fell. And great was its fall.” (Matthew 7:24-27).
Living by the Word of God is the life of faith, God wants us to emulate. This kind of living qualifies us to be His friend; He reveals things to us through the Word; we enjoy boldness, security, and self-control. Somethings we call “my habits” no longer have a hold on us as we continue to walk in Him. We enjoy the thrill of being His child, the peace of God, and many more benefits as the children of God.