Maturity

“Reaching forward to those things which are ahead, I press toward the goal for the prize of the upward call of God in Christ Jesus. Therefore let us, as many as are mature, have this mind.”— Philippians 3:13–15

Bruno Walter became a conductor beloved by orchestras worldwide. A musician once observed how Walter took away fear and gave each musician courage and self-confidence.

Walter realized that his insights developed as he matured as a musician. He commented that, for conductors, everything at first seems easy and natural until they go through a period of doubt and insecurity. This drives them to the need to grow and mature. This was the point when the music they conducted began to display depth and escape trivial things.

As an example, Walter recalled how only with maturity did he “understand the depth of emotion” in the music of Wolfgang Amadeus Mozart. When Walter was “very immature,” he conducted two Mozart symphonies only to realize he was not ready. He discovered some depths could only be plumbed through experience.

Yet he marveled how some young conductors did not realize they needed this maturity. Without it, their interpretations tended to be shallow and superficial.

Many Christians do not realize the importance of maturity. They have not followed the Bible’s command to reach for “things which are ahead.” They don’t press toward the goal “of the upward call of God in Christ Jesus.”

No matter where you are on your journey, remember the importance of this maturing process. Don’t be content with the status quo or the shallow and superficial. Press onward toward God’s upward call for you. Go deeper.

Reflection Question: How are you reaching toward maturity in your spiritual walk?