Several years ago I began to outline a new book. The working title was Measurements of Maturity. It was about the way that we measure spiritual maturity and spirituality. I started the research because I often heard preachers emphasize points that I felt were over-emphasized. It seemed that their definitions of spiritual maturity were based more on their denominational or cultural beliefs than the Bible.

When truth is taken out of priority it can often become a toxic truth. As I researched some of these points that had been laboriously preached I found they were often obscure in the New Testament and many times in direct contradiction with the teachings of Jesus.

In our pursuit of spirituality I found that far too often their measurements of maturity were a mixture of selfish pursuits that would benefit their church or ministry or some types of dead works. What I seldom found in their list was anything that would make us fall more in love with God and more in love with people, the two qualities that Jesus Himself said were more important than any others. Both John and Paul reiterated the priority of this truth in their writings. What religion said was proof of spirituality and faith was often very different than what Jesus stated.

I often notice subtle un-preached phrases and statements in the New Testament. These statements reveal God’s deep purposes but are often overlooked by those seeking to justify their own personal agendas. For example, Jesus placed a higher premium on resolving conflict than bringing your offering. Therefore if you bring your gift to the altar, and there remember that your brother has something against you, leave your gift there before the altar, and go your way. First be reconciled to your brother, and then come and offer your gift. (Matt. 5:23-24, NKJV) You’re not going to hear that preached very often; in fact, you might hear just the opposite, “If you’ll give your gift, God will bless you and cause your enemies to be at peace with you.”

“The purpose of my instruction is that all believers would be filled with love that comes from a pure heart, a clear conscience, and genuine faith.” (1 Tim. 1:5-6, NLT)

The Apostle Paul said these words: The purpose of my instruction is that all believers would be filled with love that comes from a pure heart, a clear conscience, and genuine faith. (1 Tim. 1:5-6, NLT) I have to ask myself, “If that was his purpose for teaching, what is my purpose for reading?” You may ask the same question, “What am I looking for when I read the Bible? What am I listening for in church? What do I want to happen in me when I pray?” If my purposes are aligned with His purposes I will be listening so I can live a life of love, keep my conscience clear, and keep my faith free from corrupt agendas.

I love what Paul said in Phil. 3:12: I press on, that I may lay hold of that for which Christ Jesus has also laid hold of me. Paul saw the value in aligning his pursuits with God’s purposes. In his wisdom, he realized the futility of exalting our own agendas and priorities. He wanted his life to be about God’s purposes.

The Apostle Peter said, You are receiving the goal of your faith. (1 Pet. 1:9) Why did you come to Jesus? What do you want Him to do in you? Remember, if we’re looking for something different than God is offering we could miss the message just like the Pharisees did when Jesus came in person. They were so twisted in their legalistic pursuits of self-justification that they not only failed to recognize Jesus when He came, they killed Him for His message!

In creation God made it clear that He simply wanted a relationship. We were created in the likeness and image of God. We are the only species in all of creation that has the capacity to experience the love of God. Jesus said He came so we could know God; in fact, He said, “this is life that we know God.” All other New Covenant priorities have to be brought into perspective by asking the two ultimate questions: “Does this help me love God more and does this help me love people?” (Matt. 22:36-40) If whatever you are pursuing doesn’t do both you may need to evaluate your reasons for those pursuits.

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