The Truest Signs of an Immature Christian

[DividedThigh]

Originally Posted by Pianoman

I agree that we all should have core beliefs, but we should challenge our beliefs against the word of God. If we have the truth, it will withstand scrutiny.

definitely, the bible is the true standard by which all beliefs and rules should be measured, lol,dt

[StillStanding]

Originally Posted by Pastor Poster

Pianoperson, please notice the strategic placement of the comma.

Sorry, but your comma doesn't make the sentence clear. I DO understand what you were really trying to say!

[Nahum]

Originally Posted by Pianoman

I agree that we all should have core beliefs, but we should challenge our beliefs against the word of God. If we have the truth, it will withstand scrutiny.

Pianoman, I agree in principle. But I have seen folks who never develop core beliefs because they are in love with questioning. They enjoy the questions more than the answers. They can never find truth because they have no guiderails to point the way to it.

That is a miserable existence.

[Nahum]

Originally Posted by Pianoman

Sorry, but your comma doesn't make the sentence clear. I DO understand what you were really trying to say!

Sheesh!

I'll go back and rework it.

[Digging4Truth]

Originally Posted by Pastor Poster

I believe the truest signs of an immature Christian are a lack of balance, extremism and judgementalism.

I worry about folks who change their beliefs as often as their undies.

I worry about folks who are extreme right and extreme left.

I do think we should all have a firm set of principles we live by. I can't imagine what life would be like without a firm set of core beliefs.

Their extreme right or extreme left views ARE their core beliefs at this particular juncture in their lives.

I consider myself to have a pretty balanced set of beliefs but I can look back at the time when I was far more extreme in my beliefs.

The thing to do when making statements like your post here has made is for everyone to remember that, while the statement is true, (the statement that this is a sign of immaturity) the important thing to continue to note is that immaturity is not a static position. It is a current position on a journey.

Often when someone sees an immature Christian they will dub them as such with a view that this just how they are. When one takes the time to realize that immaturity is a condition we ALL find ourselves in on our way to maturity then we are less apt to simply roll our eyes at their immaturity and more apt to see their current state of immaturity and interpret that as an open door to invest in someones continued maturity.

Of course this act requires deep maturity because of the patience that it requires and the lengthy amount of time that true maturity takes.

Thankfully, among all of the eye rollers, there were a few investors to be found in my life who gave of themselves that I may find within myself the ability to attain to my current state of maturity (which is still a certain level of immaturity compared to where I will be later on in life)

Of course this post is not accusing anyone of anything. It is just a point that I thought would be prudent given the theme of the thread.

[Nahum]

Originally Posted by Pastor Poster

I believe the truest signs of an immature Christian are:

1. A lack of balance
2. Extremism
3. Judgementalism.

I worry about folks who change their beliefs as often as their undies.

I worry about folks who are extreme right and extreme left.

I do think we should all have a firm set of principles we live by. I can't imagine what life would be like without a firm set of core beliefs.

Here you go Pianothumper.

4. selfishness
5. carnality

[A_PoMo]

Theology doesn't matter a rip if there is no love. Jesus said that it's love that is the core witness as to whether or not a person is a son of God. Thus, the more a person grows in love the more mature they are, imo. Those that lack love for God and love for all people are immature Christians. For me, this is the true litmus test of a person's spirituality.

[The Mrs]

Originally Posted by Pastor Poster

Other signs:

1. A lack of concentration.
2. A lack of spiritual appetite.
3. A lack of discernment.

4. Naivete
5. Unquestioning trust in pastor/leaders

[StillStanding]

Originally Posted by Pastor Poster

Pianoman, I agree in principle. But I have seen folks who never develop core beliefs because they are in love with questioning. They enjoy the questions more than the answers. They can never find truth because they have no guiderails to point the way to it.

That is a miserable existence.

On this we can agree. There has to be core pillar beliefs that you know that you know that you know. This becomes the foundation for how your interact, how you live your life, and how you serve God.

[DividedThigh]

Originally Posted by The Mrs

4. Naivete
5. Unquestioning trust in pastor/leaders

good points mrs, especially the one about unquestioning leaders, dt