What makes someone a more seasoned Christian ? - What do they have that is different?

Anthony · Full Member Joined: 14 Jun 2002 Posts: 84

What elements make one Christain more experienced than another? What specifically does a more seasoned Christian have that a someone less seasoned would not have?

kelly · Posted: Mon Jun 17, 2002 6:46 pm Post subject:

My quick response would be first that time does not make a more seasoned Christian. I think we all may know of at least one Christian who have been walking with the Lord for a while, years, and yet are still in a "stuck" sort of position. Specifically I have learned that part of what makes a more "seasoned" or mature Christian would be thier heart condition, thier ability to love. Do you/they have a Christ-like heart? Does your/thier actions, reactions, private life, and family reflect Jesus? If so, then kudos! The ultinate goal is to be as Christ-like as possible. Always forgiving, forgetting offenses, not being offensive or even defensive, being selfless and loving. Those are specific traits of Jesus, and a "seasoned" Christian. :inlove:

Grace · Full Member Joined: 24 May 2001 Posts: 90 Location: IL.

Anthony,
Good question. I think from my own experience, a more seasoned Christian would display the fruits of the Spirit more often. I think that above that, they have the ability to see the bigger picture. More self dicipline, and less petty. Forgetting the small stuff, and becoming more like Jesus. Not because they want to but because they are driven to by love. Harder thought to put on paper than to think about. Maybe, training vs. trying. Smile

Grace

Davep · Veteran Joined: 02 Apr 2002 Posts: 463

Like Kelly, I found time the logical first element as a factor in our getting better at something, and I agree it is no guarantee.

Also a lot of what we see in people and associated with a seasoned or mature christian, is just good basic moral qualitities that even an atheist or non-believer can exhibit. So what does a mature christian have?

We see people who pray, are in the word daily, dig deep into the scriptures searching for more meaning. Yet all this outward stuff is only an indication of what is going on inside, that is the formation of a Christ-Like heart/mind. An important element of a seasoned christian is maintaining a clear vision to God's direction while at the same time being flexible to direction. But by far the biggest factor that distinguishes a seasoned christian is that they have had their faith test countless time.

MAT 5:46-48
"If you love those who love you, what reward will you get? Are not even the tax collectors doing that? And if you greet only your brothers, what are you doing more than others? Do not even pagans do that? Be perfect, therefore, as your heavenly Father is perfect."

Janine · Posted: Wed Jun 19, 2002 4:17 am Post subject:

We look, more and more, over varying amounts of time for different people, like our big brother Jesus. Definite family resemblance.

danielle · Full Member Joined: 19 Apr 2002 Posts: 232

I have to agree w/ Kelly that time (and even knowledge) has nothing to do with being seasoned. Displaying the fruits of the Spirit, a heart's condition to serve Christ (like almost being sold-out), and applying what they study in the Word and not just being a hearer.

I was talking with my receptionist the other day and man! She has only been in the Lord for a year & 1/2 and is so on-fire for him, and has 12 spiritual gifts. She shared with me alot, and you would never think you were talking to a 24-yr old who hasn't been in Christ long. Powerful! Two of her gifts are evangelizing & discerning spirits. She really shared some awesome stuff with me, ministered to me, and is just so "mature" for her walk already. There is power in the Holy Ghost.

kelly · Posted: Wed Jun 19, 2002 9:43 am Post subject:

punz · Newbie Joined: 29 Aug 2007 Posts: 3

As one matures in their Christian walk their desire to serve God increases. The love for God grows and the closer you get to Him the less you sin. Christ and not yourself in in your heart. Things like forgivness, kindness, fairness, etc. become much easier and the will to do them is easier. In all due respect please be careful of "discerning spirits". When we leave that to God He discerns what may be needed for us in that area.
punz

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