maturity

John Maxwell has identified four levels of maturity for Christians.  They are given in progressive order with the least mature viewpoint listed first:

    1. I'm going to do what I want, regardless of any thought for God.

    2. If God gives me what I want, then I will give him what He wants.

    3. I will give God what He wants, with faith that He will give me what I want

    4. I will give God what He wants, regardless of any thought for myself.

Many Christians spend the balance of their lifves at level two or three but the greatest joy is found only at level four.  

Jesus said, "If anyone would come after me, he must deny himself and take up his cross daily and follow me. For whoever wants to save his life will lose it, but whoever loses his life for me will save it."  (Luke 9:23-24)