The entire week, I've had a consistent message from the Father's heart about "growing up" and maturing in the Spirit as His Beloved Bride!

As an aside, the concept of "Bridal Intimacy" is such a rich and bountiful subject for a true disciple, that if intentionally pursued with your life properly aligned and surrendered to wanting God's heart above all else - His presence will dramatically "woo you into a place in Him that makes you the most powerful, relevant, and purpose-driven representative of His Kingdom that impacts the multitudes for His glory in every way possible!"

"Maturity", in most peoples minds is so subjective and ethereal - that unless we seek proper biblical context for the definition, we are likely to accept much less than the Father's clear standard and expectation from His word for His children growing in the grace and knowledge of our Lord Jesus Christ.

During my study of developmental transitions and the passage of life during the periods from childhood to adulthood, there seems to be an interesting link between the environmental forces and impactful occurences of life that dramatically affects behaviors and the future potential of an individual during the critical intervals marked by seasons of change, natural development and the trials or tragedies of life.  This ultimately shapes the worldview and determines the life pursuits for good, for evil, or for God!

Whoa...What do you mean, for good, for evil, or for God?  How is it possible to differeniate between what is "good" and what is "God"?

Well, you can't differentiate between the "good things" and "God things" without being mature (spiritually speaking), but there are a few things that are important before we reach the level of maturity that the scipture outlines - which is based upon abiding in Him, walking by faith, and continuing to develop in our love walk.

Are you doing these three things?  If you're not, then "growing up" from the context of God's word or holy  standard is NOT possible!  The godly character that develops out of this ongoing inspired pursuit, motivated by and empowered through the Holy Spirit, only establishes the kingdom within the believer's life when our conviction fosters a commitment beyond convenience!

Accept God's invitation to grow into the fullness of Christ...

You'll never be the same again!

I am amazed by the many justifications made concerning the issues and circumstances of our lives that are clearly NOT in line with God's word, God's will, and God's purpose! 

When we genuinely search our hearts about these questionable areas, it's obviously an area of compromise - but we downgrade the decisions in our minds or deduce it to our "choice" or "preference" for the purpose of getting what we want! (The Flesh!)

It's so easy to allow worldly success, cultural conformity, situational ethics, blatant disobedience, and doctrinal heresies through religious traditions - to get a "hook in your jaw", and lead you down a road of fog and confusion that dilutes the spiritual integrity of the heart of God for your life!

One of the main areas of concern we have seen with God's people and their associations, is found in Paul's writing in 1 Corinthians 15:33 - Amplified, in which the Bible states, "Do not be deceived and misled!  Evil companionships (communion and associations) corrupt and deprave good manners, morals and character."

What are evil companionships anyway?

Evil Companionships are relationships that have no eternal significance or benefit to God's will for your life, which connects primarily to fleshly desires and vain ambitions that distance us from the very heart of God.  These associations cloud our judgment, erode our sensitivity, and limit our efficacy as servants of God. 

When we walk in the counsel of the ungodly - we substitute God's wisdom for earthly/sensual wisdom that cannot produce the harvest He intended, or reveal His character amidst the rampant corruption and greed that is in the world today!

How do these associations corrupt and deprave good manners, morals and character?

If the basis for every spiritually-healthy relationship and biblical soundness is: integrity in communication, intimacy through fellowship, and righteous influence for making disciples while advancing the Kingdom; submitting or surrending ourselves to the base desires of earthly pursuits that do NOT resonate with God's will or purpose - will in turn misrepresent God to searching humanity desperately seeking the truth!

How do we help our brothers and sisters through this place of compromise without turning them away?
- Restore your brother or sister in a spirit of meekness by sharing God's word without your opinion or preferences in the way.
- Confront the compromise you see in love without making accusations or isolating the person.
- Live a life above reproach that the Holy Spirit can use to convict their hearts, when they obstinately pursue their own desires and self-interests.
- Don't throw the person away, even if they resist your counsel with blaring criticism and persecution about you to others.
- Continue to pray for them until God releases you from the intercessory assignment.
- Stay open for the opportunity to minister to them in the future, but DON'T COMPROMISE THE TRUTH!

SELAH.