Young vs. Mature Christians

[Warrior4God]

Why do weaker and younger Christians not have to grow very much, or at all, while more mature Christians have to consistently endeavor not to "offend" or "stumble" younger Christians with the things they say or do, even in matters that have nothing to do with salvation or spirituality? It seems like more mature Christians have to kind of dumb things down for the weaker Christians. Why shouldn't the weaker Christians have to grow and rise to a higher standard in their Christian walk? Why should the more mature Christians have to lower their standards and way of living in their Christian walk?

[Protective Angel]

Why do weaker and younger Christians not have to grow very much, or at all, while more mature Christians have to consistently endeavor not to "offend" or "stumble" younger Christians with the things they say or do, even in matters that have nothing to do with salvation or spirituality? It seems like more mature Christians have to kind of dumb things down for the weaker Christians. Why shouldn't the weaker Christians have to grow and rise to a higher standard in their Christian walk? Why should the more mature Christians have to lower their standards and way of living in their Christian walk?

I'll answer, being of less knowledge.

I believe it's because us new ones think we are close, but we are really not. Like we learn things and WOW, that's great. We don't realize how much more there is. Oh we get remind if we just listen and your post is a message of that.

Why do the mature need to be patient? Because (for me be not knowing enough yet) it's the Christian way. To love one another in brotherly love. Love the strongest force anywhere.

Maybe I'm not too young, but I'll put myself as such.
I have a ways to go yet. I bet, I havn't even read a quarter of the Bible yet.

[aftertheflood]

I'm not sure what you mean by "dumb down" to keep from offending a young (in the Lord) believer. If you are talking about heeping rules and do's and don'ts on them then then you are talking about something that isn't Christianity at all (a term I give it is chrstatoxic), just a man made approach to Christianity. Maturity is characterized by the bearing of the fruits of the Spirit and we are called to instruct, exhort, and encourage with all gentleness. Another way to perhaps ask your question would be - why do adults have to dumb down the way they normally are when dealing with little kids? The answer of course is because you want to help the little kid grow up and become an adult. If you don't, check your heart.

[Boo]

Actually, your post started with an incorrect statement.

Young Christians do have to grow and mature; they just haven't made it as far yet.

If they truly have accepted the Lord Jesus as their master, they will hunger for knowledge and understanding that helps them in their pathway to the Kingdom. Older - more mature - Christians who understand the freedoms from made-made standards and legalisms will not want to confuse those who do not yet understand how Jesus allows us to apply His standards to our lives with the limitations of avoiding temptation and sin. Just as young children need to know what they can and cannot do, young Christians should avoid temptations until they learn to love as Jesus loved and internalize their need to avoid sin. (At this point, avoiding some sins was only an external rule.) As they grow more stable and less subject to surrender to temptation, they can begin to exercise the freedoms that God allows.

When you first start out, it is a time when sin was OK and they had habits and practices that constantly put them under the influence of Satan. They probably have many friends who will not understand their new attitudes and desires. They need help to get past that transition. The mature Christian must provide that help.

If the young Christian wants to really grow, then those close friends must become distant friends. The mature Christians should become the new friends who teach God's ways for us. If God allows, those old close friends will become the young Christians and the young Christian - now more mature - will get to mentor them.

Even good Pastors will have an older, more mature Pastor as a mentor. We all need help, so God provides us many brothers and sisters so that we will have it. That's why fellowship is so important for us.

[Longsufferer]

God's Word does not say that the weak in faith do not have to grow, it just tells us that their are weaker in faith, and it tells us why the weaker are weaker, and why the stronger are stronger; which is the duty of the weaker to endeavor in:
"For every one that useth milk is unskilful in the word of righteousness: for he is a babe. But strong meat belongeth to them that are of full age, even those who by reason of use have their senses exercised to discern both good and evil".
(Heb 5:13-14)
The weaker are to exercise the Word of righteousness in their daily lives more abundantly so that they also may more and more be able to distinguish both good and evil.

[Quickened]

I disagree with alot of what you have said.

Why do weaker and younger Christians not have to grow very much, or at all,

Growth is expected from all Christians. From the newest babes in Christ to those who have been Christians for many decades. The expectation doesn't change.

while more mature Christians have to consistently endeavor not to "offend" or "stumble" younger Christians with the things they say or do , even in matters that have nothing to do with salvation or spirituality? It seems like more mature Christians have to kind of dumb things down for the weaker Christians.

Think of it in terms of a job. The newer Christian is an apprentice of sorts and the more mature Christian could be seen as a Journeyman. No matter the trade the Journeyman is going to take extra care in working with the apprentice. Things that seem common knowledge from years on the job site aren't likely to be known to the apprentice. While the Christian is learning and growing they will have different things that are going to be challenges to them. We should be seeking to raise them up and train them up and be sensitive to their struggles. To edify and encourage them.

Why shouldn't the weaker Christians have to grow and rise to a higher standard in their Christian walk? Why should the more mature Christians have to lower their standards and way of living in their Christian walk?

Why is this problematic? They are expected to grow. Look at all of Paul's pastoral letters. Each church had a unique set of needs and Paul likewise had a unique set of expectations for those churches. Christians are by no means to lower their standards of living. I am not sure what you are implying by that. Could you be more specific and give us a direct example?

[Watchman]

Why do weaker and younger Christians not have to grow very much, or at all, while more mature Christians have to consistently endeavor not to "offend" or "stumble" younger Christians with the things they say or do, even in matters that have nothing to do with salvation or spirituality? It seems like more mature Christians have to kind of dumb things down for the weaker Christians. Why shouldn't the weaker Christians have to grow and rise to a higher standard in their Christian walk? Why should the more mature Christians have to lower their standards and way of living in their Christian walk?

Hi W4G,

Some very good answers have been given. A good example of weak, immature saints is Corinth. Even though they had been enriched in everything by Him in all utterance and all knowledge, as Paul noted in the salutation of the letter, he later stated I, brethren, could not speak to you as to spiritual people but as to carnal, as to babes in Christ. I fed you with milk and not with solid food; for until now you were not able to receive it, and even now you are still not able; for you are still carnal.

Baby Christians are still carnal, meaning they are accustomed to directing their behavior by means of their intellects and emotions. Spiritual people, OTOH, have learned to order their behavior by what which they hear from the Holy Spirit. God's design is for the human spirit, which is one Spirit with Him, to control the mind, will, and emotions of saints. In turn, the body does only what is ordered by the mind, will, and emotions. We learn to walk this way much like a baby learns to walk. We take baby steps, we stumble a lot, and we have the help of those who already know how to walk. I don't consider handling newborn saints as dumbing things down, rather, it is more of a gentle consideration that they haven't learned to exercise the wisdom and knowledge given when we receive the Holy Spirit.

Spiritually mature saints don't lower the standard of Christ as they walk with the immature, or less mature. They maintain it by bearing the burdens of the less mature. Paul told the saints at Galatia that if anyone is overtaken in any trespass, you who are spiritual restore such a one in a spirit of gentleness, considering yourself lest you also be tempted. Bear one another’s burdens, and so fulfill the law of Christ. Those who would lower the standard of Christ in order to walk with the less mature are not actually themselves mature. Instead, they bear with, teach, and encourage the less mature while reflecting Christ.

blessings,

Watchman

[lovex]

I think in some ways mature Christians are expected to know more... to be more sensitive to sin, to live lifes that are examples for the younger and newer believers that they may imitate them as the mature Christians imitate Christ. I do believe that all in are in the growth process... because we will never attain the goal until we are with Jesus... so I think in all areas, we are required and in need of growth no matter how long we've known Christ.

[chad]

I guess you could say…mature Christians have had more time for the Holy Spirit to work on and in their lives, maturing them through teaching and in sanctification. All mature christians were younger Christians at one stage, can you remember what you were like when you were a younger Christian?

We all receive Gods grace and mercy. As we grow in our walk from new and younger christians to mature Christians, God does expect more of us. Growing in God is a life long process. The apostle Paul encourages us all to run the race set before us, each believer is at a different stage in thier race (Faith).

[MoreMercy]

Hi W4G,

Some very good answers have been given. A good example of weak, immature saints is Corinth. Even though they had been enriched in everything by Him in all utterance and all knowledge, as Paul noted in the salutation of the letter, he later stated I, brethren, could not speak to you as to spiritual people but as to carnal, as to babes in Christ. I fed you with milk and not with solid food; for until now you were not able to receive it, and even now you are still not able; for you are still carnal.

Baby Christians are still carnal, meaning they are accustomed to directing their behavior by means of their intellects and emotions. Spiritual people, OTOH, have learned to order their behavior by what which they hear from the Holy Spirit. God's design is for the human spirit, which is one Spirit with Him, to control the mind, will, and emotions of saints. In turn, the body does only what is ordered by the mind, will, and emotions. We learn to walk this way much like a baby learns to walk. We take baby steps, we stumble a lot, and we have the help of those who already know how to walk. I don't consider handling newborn saints as dumbing things down, rather, it is more of a gentle consideration that they haven't learned to exercise the wisdom and knowledge given when we receive the Holy Spirit.

Spiritually mature saints don't lower the standard of Christ as they walk with the immature, or less mature. They maintain it by bearing the burdens of the less mature. Paul told the saints at Galatia that if anyone is overtaken in any trespass, you who are spiritual restore such a one in a spirit of gentleness, considering yourself lest you also be tempted. Bear one another’s burdens, and so fulfill the law of Christ. Those who would lower the standard of Christ in order to walk with the less mature are not actually themselves mature. Instead, they bear with, teach, and encourage the less mature while reflecting Christ.

blessings,

Watchman

Only a mind full of God's Spirit can confess/admit this, and only one mature will be walking/living while keeping/guarding that mind each day.


God bless you good servant and friend of my Master.

[Watchman]

Only a mind full of God's Spirit can confess/admit this, and only one mature will be walking/living while keeping/guarding that mind each day.


God bless you good servant and friend of my Master.

Bless you, too, my brother!

Andy

[aftertheflood]

I am reminded of a passage in Hebrews "Solid food is for those who are mature, who through training have the skill to recognize the difference between right and wrong" Heb. 5:14

[Watchman]

I am reminded of a passage in Hebrews "Solid food is for those who are mature, who through training have the skill to recognize the difference between right and wrong" Heb. 5:14

That is pretty much the same thing Paul told the saints at Corinth in 1 Corinthians 2-3:4.

[episkopos]

Someone who is set as an example is expected to be more exemplary in conduct.

[Michelle71]

I see this as a parent raising their kids. The parent should be more mature and knowledgeable. Explaining how to make a cake to a 5 yr old is different than a 16yr old.