You're an Heir, not an orphan

I suppose it’s human nature to compare ourselves to others. Being compared to others is something that’s done to us from the time we’re babies. Then it continues as we start school…how am I performing in comparison to the other Kindergarteners, 3rd graders, etc? Do you pass this grade or will you be held back?

Interesting how clear things can be in the system of the world when it comes to our educational development. Yet when it comes to our spiritual development, there’s no real clear path. Galatians 4:1 tells us as long as “an heir (Christian) is underage, he is no different than a slave (non-Christian), although he owns the whole estate.” Whoah.

So obviously for us to walk out our lives heirs of God (Rom. 8:17), we have to mature spiritually. But how do we do that exactly? What are the indicators of maturity?

From my experience, the focus toward maturity came when I got the revelation of being a Spirit first and foremost, having a Soul, and that I’m stationed in a body. Funny how God is a Spirit - and the Bible clearly tells us we’re made in his image (Gen. 1:17) - yet most people think they are what they see in the mirror; simply a human being.

Without the right Identity as a New Creation in Christ, made in the image and likeness of God first, it will be very difficult to cooperate with the study and inner work necessary to mature. That inner work and study for me has been the transformation of the renewing of my mind (Rom. 12:2) and the restoration of my Soul. (Psalm 23:3).

In my time in mainstream Christianity, this inner work and study was never  mentioned. It was more like the ten commandments: do this, don’t do that, and make sure you come to church every week. There was no mention of real transformation.

As I continued to meditate on Romans 12:2 in light of maturing, I saw the problem: I was still very much conformed to the pattern of the world. Sure I believed in God and I was Saved; I was technically Redeemed from the Curse. But I was still living in the thought patterns, attitudes, expectations, mental intake and desires of people still in the Curse. Things were starting to make sense.

Accepting Jesus is just the beginning. I think of it like being accepted to a particular college or university. You’re accepted, but now you have to go to class and do the work to get the degree. And while there’s no “degree,” there is evidence of Maturity.

So what are the indicators of maturity I’ve seen in my life and in the lives of others? 

1. Seeking first the Kingdom (Matt. 6:33) This one is pretty simple. Are you pursuing the Kingdom of God and His standards first?

2. Loving God most with all your being (Matt. 22: 37-39) Getting to know  God is no different than getting to know anyone else. We have to  spend time with Him. Quality, 1 on 1 time. He is so much more than what can be experienced in a church service alone.

3. Manifesting the Fruits of the Spirit (Gal. 5:22) Our personalities will change and we will be people who first and foremost are patient and kind; no longer run by our flesh (Gal. 5:19-21). 

4. Hearing and following Holy Spirit. This is when you become a Christ follower.  You go from Rom. 10:9 (being saved) to Gal. 2:20, being crucified and letting Christ - Holy Spirit- live through you; fulfilling your part of the Divine Exchange.

The life of Christ is a journey, there is no destination. It’s day by day, glory to glory. For us to live in the Love and power, wealth, wisdom, health and renewed youth - all the promises of God that Jesus died to give us - we have to be willing to change, to grow up. We have to set our hearts and minds to it and make it the number one priority of our lives to live the  Inheritance: lives of impact and power as the Heirs of God.

For more foundational content check out the book: https://a.co/d/9JelM0S