Growing In Maturity: Our Responsibility

Therefore let us, as many as are mature,

have this mind; and if in anything you think

otherwise, God will reveal even this to you.

Nevertheless, to the degree that we have 

already attained, let us walk by the same rule, 

let us be of the same mind.

Philippians 3:15-16

     Before continuing as always it is good to understand why certain words are in italics and in this case it is "the degree" and to understand that to translate there is a need to put things in the best way to understand, in this case, the Greek words:  τούτο.φρονώμεν is first person plural present subjective and speaks to keep watch, a watcher, as with a military guard, to keep in a condition of restraint, or security a state of settlement. In other words to be like-minded and being subjective and the pronoun
τούτο it means that people should be, not maybe, but should be like-minded and to the degree that a person has matured. This then begs the question as to our growth in maturity in Jesus Christ and no matter what degree your growth is in, that is your maturity, you have grown, or should have grown to have the mind of Jesus Christ. If you take the time to study, to read God's word then God will reveal to you how you are to have the same mind as Jesus Christ, not as some have stretched this meaning to mean anything or to have some sort of "love," a love that is not the love displayed and practiced by Jesus Christ, but to have the same rule as Jesus Christ. This takes growth in maturity in Jesus Christ. Paul is clear that not all are at the same level of maturity, but all can grow in maturity. 

     The Apostles gave examples of what it means to be an Authentic Christian and we are to follow this example, and now we have men who are Authentic in their Christian Faith and we are to listen to them, not be some lazy apathetic manner, but to listen to them and examine what they preach and teach by referring all to the Bible. Then you will grow in mature Authentic Christian Faith: (Brethren, join in following my example, and note those who so walk, as you have us for a pattern" (Philippians 3:17). We are not to just go to Church, to sit their until the service is over then go about our business as though somehow we met the requirements of a Christian. We are to take the time to examine the pattern set before us to ensure that: "For many walk, of whom I have told you often, and now tell you even weeping, that they are the enemies of the cross of Christ: whose god is their belly, and whose glory is their shame--who set their mind on earthly things" (Philippians 3:18-19). 

     Do not look upon closely or hang tightly this world for it is passing away, and furthermore, your home is in heaven and their you will go when you die for their is where your Savior is then the promises will be fulfilled for you: "For our citizenship is in heaven, form which we also eagerly wait for the Savior, the Lord Jesus Christ, who will transform our lowly body that it may be conformed to His glorious body, according to the working by which He is able even to subdue all things to Himself" (Philippians 3:20-21). 

     You carry two citizenship, one temporal, the other eternal, one here on this earth, the other in heaven. Do you realize how important it is to continue to remind yourselves of this fact. If you do there is nothing this world can throw at you knowing that Jesus Christ can and will subdue all things under His feet, and you, no matter what, will never be lost or taken from His hands, you live legally now in heaven and in time you will personally reside in heaven, in the new earth, with an incorruptible body. Therefore, do not fear those that can kill the body, fear Him who can kill the soul (Matthew 10:28). As His ambassador get to work and fulfill your responsibility to take the Gospel everywhere. When you enter into heaven won't it be good to hear: "....'Well done, good and faithful servant; you have been faithful over a few things, I will make you ruler over many things. Enter into the joy of your lord'" (Matthew 25:23).

We will run after you.

     The king has brought me

into his chamber. We will be glad

     and rejoice in you. We will remember

your love more than wine. 

     rightly do they love you.

          Song of Solomon 1:4

Be an Authentic Christian

Richard L. Crumb