What is Spiritual Maturity?

"When I was a child, I used to speak as a child, think as a child, reason as a child; when I became a man, I did away with childish things." (1 Corinthians 13:11)

Spiritual Maturity is an important goal in the life of a Christian. Spiritual maturity is moving beyond the basics and moving towards a life of full devotion to God.   

The reason spiritual maturity needs to be defined is because many people separate their spiritual and material life in their thinking.  As a result, many believe that their success' or failures in their job, personal relationships, leisure activities, and civic life are in one little compartment; and their success or failure in their relationship with God is in another compartment.

This is simply not true.  As a person created in the image of God, the very essence of our personhood is spiritual.  No matter how successful you may think you are in the secular arena, if you are not successful in the spiritual sphere, you are an utter failure.

Spiritual maturity is not about what you do, but about who you become.  Its essence is found in conforming yourself to the character of God.  It’s a process that begins when a person accepts Jesus Christ as Savior.  They are born again of the Holy Spirit and then choose to live in Christ.  

The Apostle Paul said that spiritual growth is an ongoing process.  "Not that I have already obtained it, or have already become perfect, but I press on in order that I may lay hold of that for which also I was laid hold of by Christ Jesus. Brethren, I do not regard myself as having laid hold of it yet; but one thing I do: forgetting what lies behind and reaching forward to what lies ahead, I press on toward the goal for the prize of the upward call of God in Christ Jesus." (Philippians 3:12-14)

Hebrews 5:13-6:3 sums up the need for spiritual maturity.  "For everyone who partakes only of milk is not accustomed to the word of righteousness, for he is a babe. But solid food is for the mature, who because of practice have their senses trained to discern good and evil. Therefore leaving the elementary teaching about the Christ, let us press on to maturity, not laying again a foundation of repentance from dead works and of faith toward God, of instruction about washings, and laying on of hands, and the resurrection of the dead, and eternal judgment. And this we shall do, if God permits."

As Christians, we need to learn and grow in our faith and understanding of God. Spiritual maturity is all about taking our faith to the next level.  To grow in spiritual maturity you must commit yourself to a life of studying God’s Word and fellowship with other believers.  

It is making the choice to live by God's perspective rather than your human perspective.  Galatians 5:16 and 25 provides the key.  "But I say, walk by the Spirit, and you will not carry out the desire of the flesh…If we live by the Spirit, let us also walk by the Spirit."  Additionally, another component to maturity involves regular communication with God through prayer, and adopting a lifestyle that reflects this new life.   

Being effective and fruitful in the knowledge of the Lord Jesus is the essence of spiritual maturity. When you became a child of God, you were given all you needed in Christ to become a spiritually maturing believer.  However, you are responsible to make a choice!  Will you choose to use and apply God's principles to your life?  

The wonderful thing about being in submission to God's maturing process is that you will be changed! You don't have to worry about becoming mature.  He will conform you to the image of Jesus Christ as you humbly surrender to His Holy Spirit and to learning His Word.   

Are you demonstrating the true maturity that God wants of you?  Are you seeking to grow in the grace, knowledge, and love of God?  It is not mere doctrine that makes one mature.  It is living the love of God in your heart, words, and deeds. 

The only way maturity is achieved is when our eyes are on Christ.

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