Would you just grow up!

We just came out of a leadership team meeting at El Camino. At the beginning of the meeting the team leader asked us a question. We all had to come up with our own personal answer and then not take it back when we shared our answers to the question, "What is the greatest need in El Camino and why?"

Every last one of us said the same thing: Lack of maturity.

What do we mean by that? People think and act in a manner which shows a lack of development and progress in their personal lives. Here are some examples.

* College girl goes out with a non-Christian guy who gets drunk, argues with her and leaves her feeling miserable. But, will she break up with him?

* College guy is failing 4 of his 6 classes this semester. "They are boring" is his only answer. By the way, he doesn't pay for any of his classes. Are we surprised?

* Married couple with some heavy problems in their relationship. But it is always his/her fault.

* Salesman constantly yells at and insults his co-workers. Then he can't figure out why no one respects his opinion.

* Lady in the church notices that one of the pastors has been busy (which he is) and a little distracted (because of many, many needy people at his door). So she tells him that she is offended that he has not been more friendly and enthusiastic when he greets her.

I could give you a lot more, but I think you get the point.

These attitudes and actions result in broken relationships, depression, lack of service and a failure to attain leadership and good influence in the church. It also results in a constant series of counselling sessions where we end up repeating the same thing to the same people. Then they get upset with us for saying the same thing every time and not solving their problem.

At times we want to take these people over our knee and "fix 'em up good!" Of course, that wouldn't solve a thing. You also see that we as missionaries and pastors can get discouraged and frustrated.

Ephesians 4:15 & 16 says, "Instead, speaking the truth in love, we will in all things grow up into him who is the Head, that is, Christ. From him the whole body, joined and held together by every supporting ligament, grows and builds itself up in love, as each part does its work"

This means that there is a process and a goal to reach. The goal is to be like Christ. The process is speaking the truth (teaching the Bible) in love (with the attitude of Christ) and having all contribute. The center of this whole passage is Christ. He Himself is our goal. We are to be like HIM, not a cheap, "Made in China" imitation that we ourselves make up. Everything we say, do and think must be centered on the person and work of Jesus. Our attitudes and actions must reflect Christ. As we mature in these attitudes and actions we will become more and more like Jesus.

To expect to break bad habits and destructive patterns by following our own prescriptions is to invite more trouble into our fragile lives. To expect ourselves or anyone else to grow from baby to adult in one day is absolutely ridiculous. Biologically, psychologically, emotionally and spiritually it is impossible. But growth will occur as we aim for and depend on Jesus Christ. If we base our lives and growth on THE TRUTH (found in the Bible) the growth will occur.

Pray with us that we as leaders in El Camino would "grow up" to be like Christ and that we would lead others into this same maturity.

God bless.