Reality

Mature souls have an understanding that transcends the world. Over time, through Christian discernment and the use of God’s word in their lives, they see things differently. For mature souls, some things are of less value that many consider priceless. Cars, houses, social status, career, and financial success would fall under this category. Mature souls see some things of no value to others as truly priceless. Things considered of less value by the world are faith, hope, and love. The fellowship of the called out of Christ, the daily study of God’s words, and worship on the first day of the week are a few more.

This mature value system gained through the application of God’s word even goes beyond what's around us. One concept mature souls genuinely understand is that Christians have high hopes. The hope Christians have in Christ is beyond anything in this world. All man’s pursuits will never reach what God gives Christians in eternity. This hope anchors Christians in Christ, “This hope we have as an anchor of the soul, both sure and steadfast, and which enters the Presence behind the veil,” (Hebrews 6:19). As much as this free anchor is tried and confirmed, there is still more to understand.

Mature souls also understand that “worthy efforts” may go unrewarded. In Christ, even Christian’s most significant accomplishments are simply out of obedience to Him. Jesus made it clear with this statement, “So likewise you, when you have done all those things which you are commanded, say, ‘We are unprofitable servants. We have done what was our duty to do.’ ” (Luke 17:10). Christians do not seek participation pats on the back or trophies. Christians do it because we love Him (1 John 5:1-3). When done out of love, there is no need for any reward. The reward is in seeing the recipient well pleased. In this case, Christians gladly receive the reward that God is well pleased with the showing of our love for Him.

The reality is that mature souls retain high hopes while understanding that “worthy efforts” may go unrewarded. Here, a mature soul refers to someone who steadfastly hopes for eternal life in Christ and consistently pursues actions aligned with that hope, regardless of worldly outcome. Mature souls, Christians, do so because, as 1 John 4:19 reminds us, we have hope because He first loved us and take action from our love for Him. In this way, we find both true hope and our real reward. How mature are you?

-Steve Johnson

#MaysvilleMessenger