This is the third of a series of three posts on the five levels of Christian maturity found in the books of Timothy and Titus. In the first post in this series we discussed the first two levels of novice and deacon. In the second post we looked at elder level maturity. In this post we look at the last two levels: arch-elder and architect.
The fourth level of maturity is arch-elder and Paul’s apprentices Timothy and Titus are examples of this level. Paul directed Titus to “appoint elders in every town” (Titus 1:5, NIV) on the island of Crete. Thus, we can say that arch-elder maturity includes the wisdom and discernment to identify godly people to be leaders. This also suggests that they can be entrusted with top responsibilities in multiple congregations, though since we are just looking at maturity level they may not have any formal responsibilities at all.
Someone with arch-elder maturity sets an example in every area of their life. Paul instructed Titus: “In everything set them an example by doing what is good” (Titus 2:7, NIV). He told Timothy to “set an example for the believers in speech, in conduct, in love, in faith and in purity” (1 Tim. 4:12). Arch-elders can also do deep discipling. Paul directed Timothy to form his people (1 Tim. 3:14-15) and that is the subject of much of 1 Timothy. We also see in Titus 2:1 – 3:2 that Titus was given the task of forming deep Christian character in others including self-control, sound faith, sound love, obedience, honesty, consideration and gentleness. And he needed to be able to do this for various types of people including older men, younger men, older women, younger women, and slaves.
The fifth and final level of maturity is architect maturity. This is the maturity level associated with Jesus’ Apostles. We use the word “architect” because these people have the potential to be used by God to design and construct important Spiritual “structures” in the kingdom of God. Even if they never touch more than a few people they have very high maturity and God will appoint them to high office in the New Earth. Remember, we are only focusing on maturity, not a calling to a position of authority.
We will only touch on a few traits of architect maturity since one could write an entire book on the character of the Apostles. At this level of maturity one has almost completely died to self so that they can say with the Apostle Paul “I no longer live, but Christ lives in me” (Gal. 2:20, NIV). One with architect maturity is confident that they are an example for others and can invite those in their sphere of influence to follow their example. The Apostle Paul told the Corinthians “Be imitators of me, as I am of Christ” (1 Cor. 11:1, NIV; see also Phil. 3:17; 4:9). Thus, architect maturity includes a very high level of holiness.
One at this level has also died to their attachment to physical pleasure and willingly embraces suffering because they view suffering as “participation in [Christ’s] sufferings, becoming like him in his death” (Phil. 3:10, NIV). Paul embraced “troubles, hardships and distresses” (2 Cor. 6:4, NIV). His extensive sufferings are summarized in 1 Corinthians 4:9-13, 2 Corinthians 6:4-10 and 11:23-29. Paul and his team responded with blessings when they were cursed and returned kindness when slandered (1 Cor. 4:12-13).
At this level one’s heart has no attachment to material possessions; Jesus and his Apostles were poor. The Apostles Peter and John left their father’s business to follow Jesus. Christ asked his disciples to “sell your possessions and give to the poor” (Luke 12:33, NIV). If an architect has possessions it is because they are needed for a moderate level of living or to care for others. They hold possessions very loosely and are willing to be generous.
Architect maturity also includes deep humility. When the twelve Apostles were debating among themselves who was the greatest Jesus gave his Apostles a guideline: “let the greatest among you become as the youngest, and the leader as one who serves” (Luke 22:26, ESV). Paul and his team were willing to be “fools for Christ” (1 Cor. 4:10). Related to this humility is an attitude of need for continued spiritual growth. One with apostolic maturity does not think they have “arrived”. Instead, Paul said about himself that he was not “already perfect, but I press on” (Phil. 3:12, ESV).
We also include in architect maturity a burning desire to see others become like Christ; we see this in the lives and writings of the Apostles Peter, John and Paul. Accordingly, one at this level does not become emotionally detached from relationships but rather feels deep emotion for their friends. Writing to his friends at Phillipi Paul exclaimed: “I rejoiced greatly in the Lord that at last you renewed your concern for me” (Phil. 4:10, NIV). When he was afraid that his friends in Galatia were going astray he said that he was “in the pains of childbirth until Christ is formed in you, how I wish I could be with you now” (Gal. 4:19-20, NIV). Deep love opens one up to deep joy and deep pain.
As advanced as this level is, I still believe that many believers can reach this level of maturity with enough time and dedication. We can read the testimonies of many Christians in past centuries who developed these qualities. For example, consider the tens of thousands of nuns and monks over the centuries who left family and possessions to dedicate themselves completely to Christ. Many of them dedicated their lives to caring for the needy or to do dangerous missions work. We can see deep surrender and deep humility in their writings. Let us press on to the examples of maturity that others have set for us.
Seminar! Meat for Maturity is currently offering a small group live video chat seminar with the goal of challenging you to greater maturity in Christ. We will look at ways to help you overcome barriers and embrace deeper surrender and communion with God. This group is for men over 40. Visit the information page for details.
