Maturity Versus Markers
I remember being a football player in high school. It was sophomore year and I was a meager 170 pounds on the defensive line - in other words, I was an anomaly.
Although I was 6 foot 2 inches, my lack of weight made it tough to compete against the larger opponents. I just didn’t weigh enough to accomplish my purpose.
And so, I set out on my lofty goal of gaining fifteen pounds! This was not a goal of preference, but one of necessity. I wanted to be strong, fast, and agile - all things I was never known for. I wanted to matter on the field. I wanted to be seen. I wanted people to expect great things from Luke Long.
Over that winter, I indulged in all kinds of food. Any food that was half apetizing met its match and I soon met my weight goal. I was an impressive - at least to myself - 187 pounds.
But when I finally hit my weight goal, I had to ask: Have I arrived at athletic perfection? Is there nothing left to pursue?
Of course not! Just ask my high school football coach, and you’d know I was far from perfect. I had not arrived in any aspect of the game.
The reality is an athlete never arrives but continues to train as long as they compete.
Hitting my weight goal was just one step toward the bigger goal of winning games.
Had I forsaken football upon my new achievement, it would have proven I never understood the ultimate goal.
In a similar way, when it comes to spiritual maturity, we’re prone to confuse tangible markers with the end goal. Paul tells us to be imitators of God (Ephesians 5:1), and Jesus calls us to love God with all our heart, soul, mind, and strength (Mark 12:30).
You see, it was never about learning the Old Testament stories to win Bible trivia. Or to know all the names of the twelve disciples because that somehow warrants you to a greater spirituality.
God wants all of us, not just our routines.
Disciplines or spiritual rhythms like prayer, Bible study, fasting, and service are important, but they are not the end goal.
It’s easy to let things like verses memorized or Bible studies attended become our focus, but these are only tools to help us to become more Christlike.
Our growth happens by God’s grace, not just our effort. We never arrive at perfection in this life.
So I implore you, don’t confuse the spiritual practice with the relationship, the mile marker with the end goal, the disciplined person with the devoted child.
Spiritual practices are of great value so long as they deepen our love for Jesus and His mission. Our spiritual markers should be valued and appreciated but in their rightful place.
Higher than our markers is God’s mission. May our lives be wholly committed to that mission.