Spiritual Superiority...?

",,,we also glory in our sufferings, because we know that suffering produces perseverance; perseverance, character; and character, hope." Romans 5:3-4 (NIV)

Perseverance (endurance), character, and hope. These are three characteristics of what most people would call a mature Christian. Their sheer endurance has affirmed that they've seen much, been through much more, have learned to press through, and have assurance that "this too shall pass." But what about that word "character?" Character entails a lot. Those with character yield when they could assert, they submit when they could resist, they say less and do more. They have a humility, stillness, wisdom, and quiet confidence that comes only from surrendering to the suffering process. They are by no means pushovers, because that character also brings with it a boldness that empowers them to speak the truth in Love. But they surely, certainly, do NOT, EVER, feel the liberty to demean others in the light (which is not their Light but Christ's) of their apparent spiritual maturity. Spiritually mature Christians, or Christians at all, should NEVER have an attitude of superiority.

You can always identify the spiritual maturity associated with surrender to suffering. It never has much to say to its own goodness, but much to say to the goodness and Grace of The Lord. Suffering has that effect on the spirit and soul of a person. Suffering brings brokenness, and brokenness magnifies our need for, and hope in the greatness of God.

Let us not despise suffering. But let us carefully, continuously, diligently examine ourselves for any hint of superiority flowing from our hearts, actions, or attitudes. Without Character, our hope is misdirected.

Blessings,
Dawn~
~Pouring my life out in worship, like Costly Oil~