maturity or at least working toward it?—1 Cor. 1:11; 3:21; 5:1; 3:1-3, 21; 4:1, 2.

EVIDENCES OF MATURITY—DO YOU HAVE THEM?

7. What mature quality did Jesus exhibit for which his Father anointed him?

⁷ Christ Jesus was the very essence of maturity, possessing all the characteristics of a mature Son of God. Not only did he always speak truth, but he demonstrated loyalty and truth in his actions and deeds. (Rev. 3:7; Acts 4:27) The ever-present quality of righteousness was exhibited by him, as recorded at Hebrews 1:9, where it states: “You loved righteousness, and you hated lawlessness. That is why God, your God, anointed you with the oil of exultation.”

8. Discuss characteristics of Jesus manifesting the “full-grown man.”

⁸ He certainly possessed the qualities of truth, as stated further: “He was full of undeserved kindness and truth.” (John 1:14) He was unselfish in every respect because he never sought his own glory but sought the glory of the one who sent him, and he was unequivocally loyal and there was not an unrighteous thought in him. (John 7:18) He was without guile or fault, regardless of what happened to him or what charge was placed against him. He was harmless as well. (Isa. 53:9; 1 Pet. 2:22; Heb. 7:26) He was fully obedient to Almighty God in every respect, because he said he loved to do his Father’s will. He was the perfect example of love because he was willing to lay down his life for his friends, as stated at John 15:13, 14: “No one has love greater than this, that someone should surrender his soul in behalf of his friends. You are my friends if you do what I am commanding you.” He performed an act of unequaled undeserved kindness, above that of every other creature that ever lived. Paul mentioned that, though he (Jesus) was rich, he became poor for your sake so you might become rich through his poverty. (2 Cor. 8:9) In addition to these qualities, he displayed patience, long-suffering, compassion, benevolence and was self-denying.—Heb. 2:17; Isa. 53:7; 1 Tim. 1:16; Luke 19:41; Matt. 4:23, 24.

9. (a) What course did Solomon recommend that would be profitable for the Christian to pursue? (b) What questions could we ask ourselves in this regard? (c) What warning did Paul give so as not to neglect a forward course?

⁹ The way to maturity is made plain by Bible writer Solomon, when he shows some primary requisites and attitudes for making progress toward maturity. He advises: “Listen, O sons, to the discipline of a father and pay attention, so as to know understanding. . . . Keep my commandments and continue living. Acquire wisdom, acquire understanding. Do not forget, and do not turn aside from the sayings of my mouth. Do not leave it, and it will keep you. Love it, and it will safeguard you. Wisdom is the prime thing. Acquire wisdom; and with all that you acquire, acquire understanding. . . . and it will exalt you. . . . To your head it will give a wreath of charm.” (Prov. 4:1-9) We recognize immediately in those words the forward and progressive attitude toward maturity and what is necessary to gain possession of it. Bringing it down to a personal basis, we may ask ourselves, Are we diligently enhancing our knowledge of Jehovah’s Word, doing so progressively? Are we taking in accurate knowledge, pressing on to the goal of being a full-grown man? Are we heeding the caution of Paul when he warns against the resulting weaknesses if we neglect a forward course? “In order that we should no longer be babes, tossed about as by waves and carried hither and thither by every wind of teaching by means of the trickery of men, by means of cunning in contriving error.”—Eph. 4:13, 14.

10. Why is the “new personality” so valuable to a Christian, and how may we grow up?

¹⁰ It is this new information that we take in continually that activates our minds and enables us to put on the “new personality,” which is actually a creation of God’s will, through his Word. (Col. 3:10) We can see from the apostle Paul’s expression that spiritual strength is essential. Therefore, nothing should deter us from the progressive course, ever mindful of the goal of maturity. We notice how apropos are Paul’s words when he states: “But speaking the truth, let us by love grow up in all things.” Paul in this statement is urging the Ephesians to stimulate growth and to let their course ever be forward.—Eph. 4:15.

EXAMINING OURSELVES

11. What questions may we ponder upon regarding our spirituality?

¹¹ Many questions arise in our minds regarding spirituality. Are we pursuing toward the goal of maturity, which leads to everlasting life? Are we constantly aroused with the heartfelt desire to improve our ministry? Do Kingdom interests dominate our thinking and activity? Is our field ministry productive and are we assisting others toward being productive ministers of Jehovah God? Can we say as did the apostle Paul concerning persons he helped see the truth: “You yourselves are our letter, inscribed on our hearts and known and being read by all mankind. . . . a letter . . . inscribed not with ink but with spirit . . . on fleshly . . . hearts”?—2 Cor. 3:2, 3.

12. (a) Why is The Watchtower of so much value to Christian ministers and others? (b) What should not be neglected?

¹² What about our personal study? Do we allot a certain amount of time to adequately cover all the articles in The Watchtower? Do we ever overlook or skip some articles of this main organ of communication that Jehovah God is using today? Do we recognize that the instructions given through this channel are so vital that our very lives depend upon our heeding them?

13. How can we determine whether we are maturing or not?

¹³ Another way in which we can prove to ourselves whether we are augmenting our maturity is if we can find and work out answers to problems. Can we reason on principles and arrive at right conclusions? When asked questions, can we give Scriptural answers to them? Can we and do we work out problems of our own and those in connection with our ministerial duties? If so, we come within the proper understanding of 1 Corinthians 14:20: “Do not become young children in powers of understanding, but be babes as to badness; yet become full-grown in powers of understanding.”

14. What characteristics should we manifest in our relationship with our fellow Christians?

¹⁴ Are we patient and slow to wrath? Are we free from complaint about our fellow Christians? Are we kind to some and not to others? Are our discussions about others or with others upbuilding, that is, discussions with those of our families, members of the congregation, and newly interested ones? Are we of a good, cheerful disposition? Are we not readily depressed? When talking to people in our ministry are we easily offended and slow to forgive? Do we heed the admonition of the apostle Paul where he states: “Continue putting up with one another and forgiving one another freely if anyone has a cause for complaint against another. Even as Jehovah freely forgave you, so do you also”?—Col. 3:13.

15. (a) Why is it necessary for a Christian to guard his course carefully? (b) What should a Christian minister work to attain?

¹⁵ Do we easily succumb to temptations, or are we able to resist them? Do we recognize that it is advisable to watch the pathway of our feet so as not to be ensnared? We must keep in mind that Satan is ever aware of the weaknesses of the flesh and ever a foe, walking up and down to see whom he can devour. The course of wisdom concurs with Proverbs 4:14, 15: “Into the path of the wicked ones do not enter, and do not walk straight on into the way of the bad ones. Shun it, do not pass along by it; turn aside from it, and pass along.” It is readily discernible that the pathway of the mature Christian is straight, and deviation from it might lead to lamentable consequences. Avoid temptations by exercising good, strong judgment, that of a mature mind. When we thus continually examine ourselves (not others), we can observe what a wonderful thing it is for a Christian to have maturity, the stature of a full-grown man.

Seeking Maturity in the New World Society

“Do your utmost to present yourself approved to God, a workman with nothing to be ashamed of, handling the word of the truth aright.”—2 Tim. 2:15.

1, 2. (a) What should be a Christian’s desire in life, and what should he do to attain it? (b) What is involved, and what will result to the individual?

TO SEEK means application of effort to achieve an ultimate goal. On the part of a Christian minister, the objective is to receive Jehovah’s approval, and there is nothing else that compares with it. To assure success in this respect we are invited by God’s Word: “Do your utmost.” Of course, the development to maturity constitutes the avenue that must be traveled during our Christian life. Its value in contrast with other things in life was vividly portrayed in Paul’s words: “I do indeed also consider all things to be loss on account of the excelling value of the knowledge of Christ Jesus my Lord.” We should esteem just as highly the procuring of wisdom and maturity in our life course today.—Phil. 3:8.

² Much is involved. Study; yes, a great deal of it, requiring time and mental effort. In fact, more than study is necessary, because the mature Christian minister desires to attain the stature of the “full-grown man,” having an overall comprehension so he will be able to convey valuable life-giving instruction to others. The greater the knowledge possessed, the greater will be the faith as well as the conviction and joy, and responsibility.

3. In a study course, what source of information should be deleted?

³ Study is work, and as physical exercise and labor develop the body, so does activity of the mind enlarge the mental faculties. Regularity of application is the most fruitful, following the routine of school-patterned education. Obviously, devoting of time is essential. In this curriculum the source of material is equally important. Recall the counsel: “Wisdom of this world is foolishness with God.” After Paul had advised that Christians should do their utmost to serve Jehovah, he went