Excellent, Matt! Appreciate so much these reflections. I like your remark that immaturity is a temporary state. So much of what counts as immaturity is seen negatively (as is sometimes warranted), but truth be told, we've all been there and (in some cases) remain there on some (many?) of those expressions from the Spirit's presence that are indicators of Christlikeness (Gal 5:22-23).
I especially appreciate that titles, roles, offices don't equate to degrees of maturity. In fact, as you intimate, many of those qualifications for leadership (1 Tim 3) are remarkable for being unremarkable: “Should not get drunk; have a good reputation.” These qualities are elsewhere demanded of all believers (e.g., Eph 5:18). Criteria raised today such as superior intelligence, a dynamic, upbeat personality, an established administrator, an effective counselor, an outstanding chair of committees, a mature believer does not make and, in fact, receive no emphasis in Scripture. Of course, people skills often point to signs of maturity but these are to be the outflow of the fruit of the Spirit, not merely the result of techniques learned in popular seminars or books or experiences in the workplace. The mature set an example for others by the quality of their life, not by the office they may hold. Living a life worthy of the gospel is the call on all and that is the goal every believer is moving toward.
I was intrigued by the correlation you find in authority/immaturity. Just a few moments reflection and it seems obvious to me that those who are on any quest (whether learning piano or growing in Christ) will align themselves under others who are more skilled and experienced than them. This does not necessarily entail that an expert is authoritative per se. Instead, the authority is in the degree of knowledge and expertise one may have. After all, the very definition of disciple entails a station in life that includes learning from and yielding to others who know more than I. So, this correlation makes sense to me. Sadly, however, we conflate maturity with roles and people who have the expertise, which is where we get into trouble.
Thanks for these reflections, Paul! I always deeply appreciate your engagement! It is interesting how far we’ve come in some pastoral job descriptions or qualifications lists these days. Obviously, maturity is implicit (I hope) in most today, but you’d think we’d care most about that. I wonder, though, if that’s true based on what I see sometimes.
Also, re: authority and such, keep an eye out for a project Christa is working on. It’s gonna be a good one!
Excellent, Matt! Appreciate so much these reflections. I like your remark that immaturity is a temporary state. So much of what counts as immaturity is seen negatively (as is sometimes warranted), but truth be told, we've all been there and (in some cases) remain there on some (many?) of those expressions from the Spirit's presence that are indicators of Christlikeness (Gal 5:22-23).
I especially appreciate that titles, roles, offices don't equate to degrees of maturity. In fact, as you intimate, many of those qualifications for leadership (1 Tim 3) are remarkable for being unremarkable: “Should not get drunk; have a good reputation.” These qualities are elsewhere demanded of all believers (e.g., Eph 5:18). Criteria raised today such as superior intelligence, a dynamic, upbeat personality, an established administrator, an effective counselor, an outstanding chair of committees, a mature believer does not make and, in fact, receive no emphasis in Scripture. Of course, people skills often point to signs of maturity but these are to be the outflow of the fruit of the Spirit, not merely the result of techniques learned in popular seminars or books or experiences in the workplace. The mature set an example for others by the quality of their life, not by the office they may hold. Living a life worthy of the gospel is the call on all and that is the goal every believer is moving toward.
I was intrigued by the correlation you find in authority/immaturity. Just a few moments reflection and it seems obvious to me that those who are on any quest (whether learning piano or growing in Christ) will align themselves under others who are more skilled and experienced than them. This does not necessarily entail that an expert is authoritative per se. Instead, the authority is in the degree of knowledge and expertise one may have. After all, the very definition of disciple entails a station in life that includes learning from and yielding to others who know more than I. So, this correlation makes sense to me. Sadly, however, we conflate maturity with roles and people who have the expertise, which is where we get into trouble.
Just a few thoughts. Looking forward to more!
Peace.
Thanks for these reflections, Paul! I always deeply appreciate your engagement! It is interesting how far we’ve come in some pastoral job descriptions or qualifications lists these days. Obviously, maturity is implicit (I hope) in most today, but you’d think we’d care most about that. I wonder, though, if that’s true based on what I see sometimes.
Also, re: authority and such, keep an eye out for a project Christa is working on. It’s gonna be a good one!