Part 13: What Does a Mature Christian Look Like?

What does spiritual maturity actually look like in our everyday lives? This exploration of 1 Corinthians 9 challenges us to examine whether we're truly growing up in our faith or remaining stuck in spiritual infancy. Through the Apostle Paul's example, we discover that mature believers operate with three essential characteristics: the right motivation (obedience rather than personal gain), the right purpose (serving others instead of demanding our rights), and the right focus (eternal impact over temporary comfort). Paul's radical statement—'I have become all things to all men that I might by all means save some'—reveals a heart completely surrendered to the gospel mission. He was willing to forfeit his legitimate right to financial support, work with his own hands, and adapt his approach to different audiences, all because his eyes were fixed on eternity. The convicting question we must ask ourselves is this: Are we running our race with purpose, training with discipline, and swinging to hit, or are we merely going through the motions? The challenge isn't about earning salvation but about refusing to waste the precious life we've been given. As we begin this new year, we're invited to honestly evaluate what consumes our thoughts and drives our decisions. Is it comfort and convenience, or is it the calling to make disciples and live for eternal crowns rather than perishable ones?