The other day I was encouraging an individual about his future. I told him that his success in life would be dependent upon his progress in the process of maturation. So many people get fixated in adolescence with its self-absorption and entitlement syndrome. I was calling him to step up and spelled out three facets of maturity. After we talked I got to thinking how the advice I gave him is applicable to the church as well. I write these weekly Message About Purpose and Strategy to train and motivate you. This week I’ll list these same three facets of maturity and I want you to think about how they apply to us here at Dayspring Fellowship.

1. Maturity involves the ability to offset reward. I’m talking about discipline. We need to be able to make sacrifices for a future benefit.

2. Maturity involves the ability to “own your stuff.” This expression means to take personal responsibility - to not blame anyone else or hide behind excuses, but to rise up and do what needs to be done!

3. Maturity involves the ability to operate under authority. I don’t know of a job where this is not important. Everyone needs to learn how to demonstrate respect. This applies to Christians in a big way because we call Jesus Christ our Lord. If he is the King, then we are subjects in his kingdom and must submit to his rule in our lives.

Just as individuals mature, so must a church grow up and demonstrate discipline, responsibility, and respect.