Christian Maturity

I wrote this poem “Recipe for Christian Living” in 2003 as a preface to a cookbook our Sunday school class was publishing.  It reminds us that Christian maturity requires effort on our part, it doesn’t just magically happen.                      

Take a good measure of kindness and mix in lots of hope.

Toss in some laughter, for it’s not healthy for us to mope.

Blend in some sympathy for those who need to mourn.

Add lots of forgiveness to heal relationships that are torn.

 

Sprinkle an unlimited amount of joy where there is sadness,

For Jesus loved to celebrate life, and we should do no less.

Stir in some wisdom and patience to keep you on the narrow path.

This will take a heap of prayer; be sure to look to heaven and ask.

 

To make this recipe, you will need Bible study in great amounts.

It will help you grow in grace and love and in ways that really count.

Add fellowship with other Christians to keep you strong and true;

Beat in a lot of faith and obedience, and add some friendship too.

 

To keep you close to the Father and in His will for you each day,

Mix in some memorized scripture to send the devil on his way.

Add some spice to taste, as this makes life sweet and fun.

Sugar to sweeten, pepper for variety, salt to preserve—we’re almost done.

 

Because we sometimes stumble– remember we are made of clay–

Liberally sift in the Holy Spirit, who will guide each step of the way.

Lastly, add in the most important ingredient of all, which is love.

Love holds all the rest together; it flows through you from God above.

“Anyone who lives on milk, being still an infant, is not acquainted with the teachings of righteousness.  But solid food is for the mature, who by constant use have trained themselves to distinguish good from evil.”  Therefore, let us leave the elementary teachings about Christ and go on to maturity.”  Hebrews 5:13 – 6:1