Check these five marks of Christian maturity to see if you are under the control of the Holy Spirit.

1. The mature believer understands the Will of God for the unbeliever and accepts the responsibility to function as an Ambassador of Christ. (1 Tim. 2:3-4 and Eph. 4:11-12)
2. The mature believer takes responsibility for his actions. (Gen. 3:6-11) "He ate... she ate... not they ate."
3. The mature believer sees the Hand of God in all the events of life. (Gen. 45:1-2 and 5-8)
4. The mature believer controls his reactions to mistreatment. (1 Pet. 3:8-9)
5. The mature believer understands the good which God desires to produce in his life through pressure. (Rom. 8:28-29)

Note the seven things God has in mind to produce through pressure. Only the seventh is negative.

1. To develop faith (1 Kings 19:4)
2. To refine faith (1 Peter 1:7)
3. To identify that person with Christ (1 Peter 2)
4. To demonstrate His love for us to Satan (Job 1)
5. To prepare the believer (2 Cor. 1:3-4)
6. To display God's power (2 Cor. 12:7-9 and John 9:1-3)
7. To correct disobedience (1 Cor. 11:30-31) (This last is the only pressure that can be prevented)

If you have trouble identifying with these marks, write to Songtime and ask for the cassette, "How To Be Filled With The Holy Spirit." (Available for a suggested gift of $5 to cover materials, postage and handling)

Songtime USA, 131 Hadaway Road, Hyannis, MA, 02601