A hallmark of spiritual maturity is found in the profound sense of underservedness that characterizes a mature Christian. They navigate life with the assurance of the sacrificial act of Christ on the Cross, fully aware that, were it not for grace, they would embody the essence of evil. They are as evil, maybe more so, as those people that make the 9pm news. While they stand firm in the certainty of salvation and eternity, they acknowledge that, if by some divine declaration God were to say, “I am not saving you anymore. You be damned!”, they would receive the just retribution they deserve.

Their Christian journey is not an endeavor to earn a place on the honor roll of heaven, to ‘make heaven’, because even what people may count as righteous, is just a very filthy rag. The term ‘Redeemed’, spoken with trembling lips, both uplifts and humbles the heart. They are captivated by the profound transaction that unfolded on that sacrificial Cross, constantly pondering the questions of “what happened? Why and how did it happen? Who is He? What is my life to be now?” These inquiries propel their spiritual pursuit.

Interestingly, as their knowledge of the Savior deepens, so does their understanding of themselves. The more they grasp the reasons for their Savior’s worthiness of worship, the more they recognize their own inherent worthlessness. No longer questioning why ‘bad things’ happen to them, they wonder why any good things occur at all. Their sole objective becomes clear: “He must increase, I must decrease.” Their value is no longer tied to societal status, but being continuously stripped of pride, their worth is only dependent on the extent to which they are of service to the Saviour.

They refrain from trivializing their sins as mistakes; instead, they confront them with a stark acknowledgment of their true nature, and the weight of this realization breaks their heart. Engaged in an unceasing battle against sin, they grapple with its challenges daily. Immersed in the transformative power of the Word, it serves as the lens through which they perceive the world. Every facet of their lives undergo scrutiny through the Biblical microscope. Everything!

Upon transitioning to eternity, they find themselves adorned in a cloak of righteousness that is completely alien, recognizing the stark contrast with what he truly deserves. Their gaze turns to the Lamb that was sacrificed on their behalf, and s/he joyfully adds their voice to the ongoing rhapsody. “Worthy is the Lamb that was slain to receive power, and riches, and wisdom, and strength, and honor, and glory, and blessing. For thou hast redeemed me to God by thy blood.”