The Mature Faith

I suppose everyone would like to view himself as reasonably mature concerning all the facets of life, whether as a family man, a worker or as a citizen in the community as assessed by one’s friends and acquaintances. What about maturity of faith? Do we know enough about faith to be able to properly judge a mature faith? James advises us that the mature faith is both exclusive and inclusive in character (3:13-5:20). The mature faith excludes envying and strife, the enthronement of pleasures, speaking evil of brethren, sins of omission, the improper use of wealth, grudge holding, vacillation and hypocrisy. On the other hand, the mature faith includes purity, peace, forbearance, compliance, mercy, humility, resisting the devil, mourning for sin, spiritually sound business practices, patience, dependence on godly prayer and the conversion of the lost. No doubt all of us have room for growth unto maturity. May each of us have the courage to commit himself to possess the character of faith presented by James so long ago. Such a commitment will surely sponsor the favor of the Lord and the receipt of blessings unanticipated in kind and measure.