steps of maturity

I have a friend who asked me about a conversation he had with a guy at work. His friend had found out that he tithed, and began raising questions about creation and other theological issues. The thing I loved about talking with this guy was that I saw maturity growing in him.

In the Faith-walk we grow through steps of maturity. My friend tithes, but not out of a convictions of obedience, rather just a worthwhile discipline. He hasn't been short of money since he started tithing, and feels fine about his financial situation.

In our discussion I thought of Obed-Edom, and wondered if there wasn't a glimpse of the steps of blessing there as well. When David was pulling (on an oxcart...disobedient) the Ark of God back to Jerusalem, it killed a guy who (was disobedient) reached out and touched the Ark. They dropped the Ark off in Obed's shed and leave it there. David then hears that Obed's life is being blessed.

Why? because God's presence was there, and wherever He is, is blessed. Then David goes and get's it. (Obediently) He brings the Ark back to the city and worships before it all the way back. And Israel is blessed. Did Obed-Edom stop being blessed?

No. He was still blessed because he dwelled in the land of God's blessing. Israel's blessing was his also. But the blessing over all was greater.

I think the steps of God's blessing follow the steps of maturity. Dr. Robert Rhoden once said,"Maturity is producing more than you consume." I think production is less about us and more about our community. When we are maturing in Christ everyone around us receives the blessing of God as radiated in our life of obedience. I think God's blessing rests in part for my friend who tithes as discipline, but I believe that a greater blessing is available when it is done in obedience.

I also think it's great that he said that he wasn't really into sharing his faith with others, and now he's talking to his boss about tithing and coworker about faith issues like creation. Welcome to the harvest.

--Ben