Christian maturity according to James

James 1:2-4 "Consider it pure joy, whenever you face trials of many kinds, because you know the testing of your faith develops perseverance and perseverance must finish its work so that you may be mature and complete not lacking anything."

We get ourselves into all kinds of problems (in relationships, marriages) by saying immature things, making immature decisions, acting in immature ways. We just need to grow up. God's will for every person is that they grow. In Hebrews 6:1, "Let us go on to maturity." God says grow up.

WHAT MATURITY IS NOT:

· Maturity is not age. You can be a Christian for fifty years and not be mature.

· Maturity is not appearance. Some people just look mature and not be mature at all.

· Maturity has nothing to do with achievement. You can accomplish a lot and still be very immature.

· Maturity has nothing to do with academics. How many degrees you've gotten, how much education you've gotten.

WHAT MATURITY IS:

God says maturity is attitude

Attitude is what makes the difference. It's your character. God says it's your attitude that determines whether you're mature or not. God wants you to grow up and have Christ-like attitudes.

The word "mature" in Greek is the word "teleaos" -- it's translated mature, complete, Perfect. James is a manual on how to be mature.

James gives us five marks of maturity.

1. A MATURE PERSON IS POSITIVE UNDER PRESSURE

James 1:2-4 "Consider it pure joy, whenever you face trials of many kinds, because you know the testing of your faith develops perseverance and perseverance must finish its work so that you may be mature and complete not lacking anything."

The first test of maturity is how do you react to problems? Do they blow you away? Do you get nervous, uptight, negative? Christianity is a life. It's not a religion, it's a life. Jesus said, "I've come that you might have life." Life means problems, and part of life means solving problems and facing them with the right attitude.

2. A MATURE PERSON IS SENSITIVE TO PEOPLE

"If you really keep the royal law found in Scripture, `Love your neighbor as yourself' you are doing right [acting as a mature person]." James 2:8

A mature person is sensitive to people. He doesn't just see his own needs, he sees other people's needs. God says that love, being interested in others, is a mark of maturity.

3. A MATURE PERSON HAS MASTERED HIS MOUTH

James 3:2 "We all stumble in many ways. If anyone is never at fault in what he says, he is a perfect man, able to keep his whole body in check."

The first thing a doctor will say when you go for a check up is "Stick out your tongue." He uses your tongue to check your health. God does that spiritually, too. What you say directs your life, what you say can destroy your life.

4. A MATURE PERSON IS A PEACEMAKER NOT A TROUBLEMAKER

James 4:1 "What causes fights and quarrels among you? Don't they come from your desires that battle within you?"

The mark of a mature person is the lack of conflict in his own life. Paul told the Corinthian church, “You guys are a bunch of babies”. They argued about everything.

5. A MATURE PERSON IS PATIENT AND PRAYERFUL

James 5:7,11 "Be patient then, brothers, until the Lord's coming... As you know, we consider blessed those who persevere." v. 16 "The prayer of a righteous man is powerful and effective."

The mark of a mature person is they are patient and they are prayerful. Those two go together. They express an attitude of dependence upon God.