Elevation to Maturity: Lessons from Timothy (Unabridged‪)‬

If you took a census within any Sunday Service or Church meeting, at least 80% of the congregants would profess the desire to become a matured believer for Christ. But if you press the group to take their desire into practical day to day applications, the number of willing participants will significantly decline. It begs the point that when most people talk about maturity they mean:

"I will, as long as it does not interfere with my work".
"I will, as long as I don't have to be told what to do by someone else".
"I will, as long as I can simply read and know the Bible in my house or on my own".


The list is endless! Thank God we have the remnants that are willing to go beyond their personal comfort zones to reach the stage where they are more usable by God. Right now four Scriptures flow into my mind. 2 Timothy 2:20: "In a large house there are articles not only of gold and silver, but also of wood and clay; some are for special purposes and some for common use. 2 Timothy 2:21: "Those who cleanse themselves from the latter will be instruments for special purposes, made holy, useful to the Master and prepared to do any good work." This scripture places the responsibility of being useful to God firmly in the lap of the believer.

Of course God is there to help you by His Spirit but you must be committed to playing your part, otherwise the usefulness (not the salvation) of that believer is limited and maturity will be a dream.