“But when you are old you will stretch out your hands, and someone else will dress you and lead you somewhere you do not want to go.” (John 21:8 NIV)
Today my daily office suggested that spiritual maturity might very well include complete surrender to uncomfortable plans.
“Maturity is the ability and willingness to be led somewhere you do no long to go. The servant leader is the leader who is being led to unknown, undesirable and painful places.” (Peter Scazzero)
I paused to consider Christ again. His physical birth, slow growth in wisdom and stature, and earthly ministry culminated in crucifixion. I think of Simon Peter, also crucified but upside down to honor his Savior. Apostle Paul, martyred most likely by beheading. I consider the untold number of martyrs that have given their lives to the Lord since the first century. Total surrender to God often leads to pain and suffering on this side of eternity.
Turns out mature faith looks a lot like childlike faith. Little people operate in absolute trust. Once upon a time, I dressed my kids just as Jesus described: little outstretched arms received sweaters or t-shirts or church dresses. And the kids went wherever I went, endlessly happy to be in my company. Additionally, I remember taking my children to the doctor for their immunizations and feeling quite traitorous about it. They willingly accompanied me, having no recollection of the previous round of vaccines. I participated in the betrayal because I believed it to be in their best interest.
Somewhere along the way, though, my children developed opinions and objections. They came into their own, so to speak. They began making their own decisions, choosing their words and deeds. Decades have passed and my children each live in different cities, (a reality I’m still adjusting to). They are independently forging their way through the great big world. I wonder how much they’ll have to unlearn in surrender to God.
Spiritual maturity looks far different from physical maturity. It’s hands outstretched to receive prison guard or pauper attire. Feet set to follow a path to a place undesired. Spiritual maturity means saying ‘yes’ even when we are wholly unsure about the outcome or dreading the next temporary destination. The relationship with our God always trumps the unpleasantness of our circumstances. We trust our Father to take us Home and we will endure whatever might bring Him glory between here and there.
Jesus lived like this. Follow His path through the gospels and you see it quite clearly. He went where the Spirit led; whether it meant loneliness or crushing crowds, when it included fasting or feasting, where He was warmly welcomed or run out of town completely. Jesus willingly participated in His own demise with deep trust in our Father’s sovereignty over all things. Spiritual maturity means looking like Christ, even when it hurts.
“This will continue until we all come to such unity in our faith and knowledge of God’s Son that we will be mature in the Lord, measuring up to the full and complete standard of Christ. Then we will no longer be immature like children.” (Ephesians 4:13-14 NLT)
“Those who obey God’s word truly show how completely they love Him. That is how we know we are living in Him. Those who say they live in God should live lives as Jesus did.” (1 John 2:5-6 NLT)
Lord, please help us to grow into the full standard of spiritual maturity. We surrender. Help us surrender. Living sacrifices tend to crawl off the altar; give us the tenacity to stay put. We realize the risk in this prayer, but we also know You to be faithful in all things. You will be brought glory. We belong to You. Amen.