Jesus defines the spiritually mature

“Jesus had a very different end in mind for the spiritually mature.  He didn’t define maturity by how much you know.  He defined it by how much you love.  Working on your character . . . will lead you into the place where God’s love regenerates everything about you.”- Carey Nieuwhof

As Carey Nieuwhof concludes Chapter 4 of Didn’t See It Coming, he discusses the third process in changing your character from the inside out.

3.  Put yourself first when it comes to personal growth.  As Pastor Nieuwhof underscores, it takes intentionality to spend twice as much time developing your character than your competency.  Most noteworthy, Carey stresses that it’s not selfish to put yourself first in the area of personal growth.  You need to take time every day to become a person of deep integrity and honor.

In addition, the author emphasizes the words take time every day.  Hence, you must take the time to become a better person.  Carey states:

“The time you spend working on your character is an investment in yourself and in the people who matter most to you.  It’s an investment that pays back in every aspect of your life.”

Therefore, Pastor Nieuwhof exhorts, set your aim on building a solid spiritual, emotional, relational foundation for your life.  Thus, to do so, schedule time for them – before others spend your time for you!  Also, the rhythms of this discipline point your compass in the right direction.

In conclusion, Carey notes that the soul work of character regeneration is:

• far-reaching
• at the heart of spiritually mature Christian practice

And as you experience newfound peace, deepened humility and self-respect, you change your legacy as well.

Today’s question: What spiritually mature people provide blessing and counsel in your life?  Please share.

Tomorrow’s blog: “God’s gift – solitude or isolation?”