In Matthew 28:16-20, Jesus directs His church to make disciples. This passage is often referred to as The Great Commission. Most churches claim that making disciples — leading people to spiritual maturity — is a key element in their mission statement. But many leaders, including me, recognize that we are falling short. Instead of striving for maturity, we are often settling for conformity. Let’s talk about it.

While conformity mimics maturity, the two have very little in common. The major difference is this: those who conform are governed from the outside; those who mature are governed from the inside. The goal of spiritual maturity is freedom, and the only people who can be truly free are those who are governed from within. Freedom always requires self-governance, a truth that James Madison, the father of the Constitution, righty identified.

We church leaders often settle for conformity because it is easier to achieve. Conformity requires a list of rules backed by penalties and rewards. First, teach people the list. Second, use penalties and rewards to motivate them to conform to the list. Gaining conformity is as simple as that — and it creates believers who look mature. Sadly, conformity is not maturity or freedom — it is bondage. Listen, it is for freedom that Christ has set us free. Stand firm then and do not let yourselves be burdened again by a yoke of slavery. See Galatians 5:1.

And friends, it’s not just leaders that prefer conformity. Many believers settle for conformity because following a list of rules seems easier than the hard work and sacrifice required to gain maturity. Paul addressed this problem when he referred to the believers in Corinth as mere infants who needed milk because they weren’t ready for solid food. See I Corinthians 3.

It is important to mention that there is a place for conformity in Christian discipleship. We must teach children and new believers to conform until they have gained enough maturity to be governed from within. But we cannot settle for conformity. We must pursue discipleship that leads to maturity. Here’s an illustration:

Responsible parents recognize that their teenagers are quickly growing toward independence. At this point, conformity alone is not going to prepare them for the freedom and responsibilities of adulthood. Gradually, teenagers are given the freedom to make difficult decisions and to experience painful consequences while still being guided and guarded by parents. It is messy, risky, and difficult work. Ask any parent of a 16-year-old and they’ll verify the challenge. But parents do it because preparing their children for freedom is the most basic responsibility they have. Here’s one of my favorite sayings, “It kills you to see the kids grow up, but it will kill you faster if they don’t.” In parenting, helping children mature into independence and freedom is vital.

The same is true in the church. When we perpetually disciple people into conformity, we create a host of problems — for them, for ourselves, for the church, and for the mission of God. As leaders, we must make the transition from demanding conformity to training for maturity. It’s important that we get this right.

Spiritual maturity requires transformation, and transformation requires that we yield completely to the grace God has made available through (1) the Word, (2) prayer, (3) the infilling presence of the Holy Spirit, (4) the accountability and fellowship of the Body of Christ, and (5) the purpose and fulfillment found in His mission.

Jesus described yielding to these graces as denying ourselves, taking up our cross daily, and following Him. See Luke 9:23. If you think that gaining spiritual maturity and freedom is easy, think again. According to Jesus, it will cost you everything. That’s why so many of us settle for conformity — we’re simply not willing to pay the price freedom requires.

Paul describes yielding to grace as offering our bodies as living sacrifices. See Romans 12:1-2. In fact, Paul urges us to no longer conform, but instead, to be transformed by the renewing of our minds. True spiritual maturity is not acting different — it is being different. Once mature, you won’t need a list from someone else. You will be able to test and approve what God’s will — His good, pleasing and perfect will.

Fellow believer, are you following a list of rules? Does Christianity seem like a burden as you live under legalism and judgement? Do you feel obligated to serve and give? Is it drudgery to you? Are you tired of acting out a form of Christianity that has no vitality or passion? If you answered yes, then you are likely living in conformity.

Jesus has something better for you. Jesus came to give us life to the full. See John 10:10. It is a life of love, freedom, purpose and passion — and it is available to all who are willing to mature by doing the hard work of yielding fully to God’s transformational grace.