Self Evaluation and the Importance of Unity [Spiritual Maturity 2]

Continuing our discussion from spiritual maturity in my first post, we will focus on the importance of how you see yourself as well as the body of Christ that you are a part of.

These numbered points are a continuation of the list from the Life Application Study Bible.

3.Self-evaluation vs. self-criticism
Do we live in a constant state of guilt over our past? Do we feel like our past constantly shadows accomplishing anything in our futures? Do we feel like there's no point in resisting temptation because we're too weak to resist with that sin nature we struggle with constantly?
As Christians, we are joint-heirs with Christ, and so our goal is not to put ourselves down, but ask for the Holy Spirit's help to examine ourselves so that we can be purified and repent of any sin that hinders our relationship with God. Because of the Lord's sacrifice, we are seen as perfection to the Lord- "As far as the east is from the west, so far hath he removed our transgressions from us." Ps. 103:12 However, this doesn't give us a free card to sin because we know we're not going to hell "Being then made free from sin, ye became the servants of righteousness." Rom. 6:18

In relation to taking the ordinance of the Lord's Supper, Paul states, "But let a man examine himself, and so let him eat of that bread, and drink of that cup." We are not to take the Lord's Supper if our relationship with the Lord has not been examined for purification. Repent of your sin, but then realize that Jesus has already paid the price. We're not to walk around in guilt and defeat, but in the victory that Jesus has already won over all sin and death. Depend on the Lord to take the out that He will always provide when we are tempted. Ask the Lord to expose your weaknesses, so that you can ask for help to correct them and then depend on His power to accomplish that in your life. "Nay, in all these things we are more than conquerors through him that loved us." Rom. 8:37


4. Seeking unity vs. promoting disunity
Do we seem to be in constant conflict with certain people in the church? Do we respect the leadership of the church that was put over us? Do we know what our spiritual gift is, and do we use that gift to work with others to accomplish ministry?
 Eph. 4:1-6 
 I therefore, the prisoner of the Lord, beseech you that ye walk worthy of the vocation wherewith ye are called,
With all lowliness and meekness, with longsuffering, forbearing one another in love;
Endeavouring to keep the unity of the Spirit in the bond of peace.
There is one body, and one Spirit, even as ye are called in one hope of your calling;
One Lord, one faith, one baptism,
One God and Father of all, who is above all, and through all, and in you all.

We are the body of Christ, and a body does not work well without an eye or an arm. God has equipped us with gifts to serve Him in the local church to accomplish His will and bring Him glory as the body of Christ. Paul not only states the importance of unity in the body of Christ, but lists the different aspects of Christianity that are essentials and must be agreed upon before we unify with any church or individual which claims to be Christian.The Bible states here that we are to be humble and kind in relation to our brethren. We are to be patient and love each other. 
"Submitting yourselves one to another in the fear of God." Eph. 5:21 While many focus on the husband/wife relationship in this Scripture, submitting to one another or the brethren is the first step. Puts unity in a totally different perspective, doesn't it? This isn't referring to things like women submitting to all men in the church like a husband, but is serving one another with a humble, kind, patient, and loving attitude and motivation. Without unity, the body will not work. So many churches split especially in the south over matters of opinion that are not truly Biblical matters, so please, before getting offended or upset about something, evaluate it in the light of Scripture and prayer.  How can a body walk without feet? How can it speak without a mouth?

Bringing it all back together, lets remember in Hebrews 5:14, the mark of spiritual maturity is discernment. We have learned in this section that discernment to see yourself in the light of the gospel means not living in perpetual guilt, but as a conqueror in Christ. It's examining yourself for sin so that it can be repented of and for purification to take place through the strength of the Lord. It is serving one another in the church with a loving, humble attitude that seeks to love and be patient when another hurts us or isn't making wise decisions. It is preserving unity above all else in the body of Christ even if our opinions may differ. Discernment to know when something is worth separating yourself from a church over, and when it is not. Live in the victory of Christ and ask the Lord to help you see your fellow Christians from His perspective.