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When many people think of those who are religious, it seems to me they go to one of two extremes. Either \xa0they think of someone who is arrogant and opinionated in their beliefs (especially to those who believe or think differently) or someone who is so nebulous and abstract in their thinking about God that they appear to accept anything and everything.
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\nOn this podcast interview my co-host Andrew Horton and I attempt to go beyond these stereotypes to something we call spiritual maturity.
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\nWe discuss what does a spiritually mature person look like in the most positive sense?
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\nWhether you are of no faith or any faith tradition, do join us in this fascinating discussion.
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\nHere is a taster of our discussion (but to really benefit you will have to listen to the full 33 minute conversation):
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\nWe define spiritual maturity in terms of:
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\n\tWho am I becoming as a person?
\n\tHow do I look at my weaknesses and failings?
\n\tWhat kind of person am I like to be around others?
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\nWe also unpack the following characteristics of spiritual maturity, or as Gordon Macdonald describes them, 'deep people':
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\n\tDemonstrating a consistent loyalty to Jesus: His life, His teachings, His challenges.
\n\tHave a hunger to keep on growing in every aspect of their lives regardless of age.
\n\tLove to inspire and lead others to grow in their personal faith.
\n\tAre people you love to be with because they love life and seem to know the best ways to live it.
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\nGordon Macdonald describes much more than this, but we summarise with an observation from the theologian Chris Wright in his observation of the late John Stott (1921-2011), former minister of the church my family and I attend at All Souls Langham Place in London:
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\n"There are (three) characteristics I have observed (in John Stott) that I will emulate for the rest of my life. The three are rigorous self-discipline, absolute humility, and a prayerful spirit. Perhaps the most important thing I've learned is that faithfulness to God is a combination of these three things."
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\nA helpful practical understanding of this from Chris Goswami is how prayer concerns how I relate to God; self-discipline is about how I relate to myself and humility is about how I should relate to others.
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\nWhat questions and thoughts does this discussion raise for you?
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\nYou may also find of interest the following posts:
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\nWhat Does A Spiritually Mature Person Look Like?
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\nSpiritual Maturity
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\nPodcast #007: Religion
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\nDiscovering Silence and Solitude
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\nWhy I Struggle With Religion
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