Teenagers going through puberty can always give people headaches. They're rebellious, like to do things their own way, and want to be the king of their world. Christians also experience this phase in their faith. The question is how should they go through this?
A "Faith Counsel" article was published on the WeChat subscription "Grace 365" that talks about this issue. Though spiritual growth is a continuous process, different characteristics show at different stages. Just as the Apostle John emphasized to fathers, young men, and children.
"I write to you, fathers, because you have known him who is from the beginning. I write to you, young men, because you have overcome the evil one. I write to you, dear children, because you have known the Father." (NIV 1 John 2:13)
Puberty generally shows indifference and confrontation to current rules, a lack of social responsibility, preference in their own ways, and more. This usually affects themselves, their families, and the society negatively. However, it is a necessary phase of growing up which requires understanding, tolerance, and most importantly good guidance. It is the same with Christians going through spiritual puberty.
The article explains that the self-centered value system that Christians built in the past is still deeply ingrained. The fierce battles between the new and old self and the Holy Spirit and lust exhibit similarities to life. Judging from this the source of spiritual puberty is sin, for the nature of sin is egocentric and resisting God.
Puberty has two types: introverted and extroverted. In the article, introverts show "excessive persistence toward the world, indifference toward church life, easy influence by emotions, and extreme conceit." Extroverts show "contempt to the authority of the church, unknown or unwilling to consult pastors, faith without connection to life, and great spiritual vision with very little faith."
Since the major conflict in spiritual puberty is between the individual and group, self and authority, people can make their judgement with two questions: do I consciously or willingly ask for advice from the spiritual authority in the church when making important decisions in life, such as matters in marriage, career, and school, or do I weigh my decisions with the principle of ecumenism or the perspective of glorifying God and benefiting people.
This article offers five ways for people to overcome the spiritual puberty whether they decide they're at such a phase or simply for preparation.
1. Set up a clear revelation that the purpose in life is based on the Word of God.
As Proverbs 29:18 says "Where there is no revelation, the people cast off restraint; but blessed is he who keeps the law."
2. Form the church value based on a healthy life in church.
Institutes of the Christian Religion by John Calvin says, "I will begin with the Church, into whose bosom God is pleased to collect his children, not only that by her aid and ministry they may be nourished so long as they are babes and children, but may also be guided by her maternal care until they grow up to manhood, and, finally, attain to the perfection of faith." (4.I.1)
God's intention when He set up the Church was:
"It was he who gave some to be apostles, some to be prophets, some to be evangelists, and some to be pastors and teachers, to prepare God's people for works of service, so that the body of Christ may be built up until we all reach unity in the faith and in the knowledge of the Son of God and become mature, attaining to the whole measure of the fullness of Christ." (NIV Ephesians 4:11-13)
"Whence it follows, that revolt from the Church is denial of God and Christ." (Calvin, Institutes of the Christian Religion, 4.I.10)
3. Read the Bible and pray regularly
As in John 8:32 "Then you will know the truth, and the truth will set you free."
4. Flee the evil desires of youth.
"Flee the evil desires of youth, and pursue righteousness, faith, love and peace, along with those who call on the Lord out of a pure heart." (NIV 2 Timothy 2:22)
5. Respect authority
"Obey your leaders and submit to their authority. They keep watch over you as men who must give an account. Obey them so that their work will be a joy, not a burden, for that would be of no advantage to you." (NIV Hebrews 13:17)
Listen to and obey pastors and lay workers who rightly explain the word of truth and learn to follow the advice of spiritual elders when making major decisions.
"Therefore let us leave the elementary teachings about Christ and go on to maturity." (Hebrews 6:1)
Translated by Grace Hubl
