I remember very little from biology class. Science in general was not an area I excelled in. Outside of my 6th grade insect collection nothing in science really got me excited. But one thing my science teacher Mrs. Bevelheimer did teach me was that living things were created to grow. From people to pineapples to porcupines what starts as a cell or a seed is created with the intention to mature and grow. Growth, in the physical realm, is intrinsic to all living things.

The Bible tells us that the same is true for our spiritual journey. Our faith in Jesus was not created to sit idle or remain stagnate but to mature and grow.

What is spiritual maturity?

Paul in Ephesians 4:14-15 says:

“Then we will no longer be immature like children… but growing in every way more and more like Christ.”

Simply put the Apostle Paul’s words in Ephesians 4 about spiritual growth and maturity say this: Spiritual maturity = being like Christ.

So according to Paul my spiritual journey should be shaping me to be more and more like Jesus in every area of my life. Jesus is the standard and I am only as spiritually mature as I am like Christ

With all that said here is the reality I want to unpack.

Most of us want to grow. Most of us want to mature. Most of us want to be like Christ. But many times, we don’t know how to get there. We don’t know if we are actually growing in Christlikeness as God intended.

Amidst the balancing of life’s tasks and responsibilities if you find yourself stuck in your spiritual growth here are a few things to consider and bring before God.

Facts about spiritual maturity

1. Spiritual maturity doesn’t happen automatically. Spiritual growth is not an aging process. It is not measured by a calendar or grey hairs. Instead, It has better been said that our growth spiritually is more about the intensity of years rather than the extensity of years. It’s our attitude not our age that yields spiritual growth.

2. Spiritual maturity is not instantaneous. 2 Peter 3:18 says: “Continue to grow in the grace and knowledge of our savior, Jesus Christ.” It takes time to grow, it doesn’t happen quickly. No living thing comes to maturity instantaneously. There is no shortcut or instant pill you can take to accelerate your spiritual growth. It takes an intentional pursuit and it’s a continual process that won’t come automatically or quickly.

3. Spiritual maturity won’t happen without discipline. 1 Timothy 4:7 says: “Discipline yourself for the purpose of godliness.” Maturity is like spiritual fitness. It takes time, effort and trouble to grow. It is through our daily obedience and discipline of working out the principles of our faith that our spiritual growth is advanced.

3 Keys to spiritual growth

If you are stuck in a spiritual rut here are three words that I hope will challenge you towards a life of spiritual growth.

1) Surrender: Spiritual growth, becoming more like Christ, begins with a full surrendering before God. Jesus said follow me. (Mark 2:14) Take a moment to reflect on that call. What does fully surrendering and following Jesus look like for you? Total complete self-dedication to God.

Our spiritual maturity is a commitment to surrendering all that tangles, distracts and divides us from Christ. As John the Baptist said: “He must become greater, I must become less.” (John 3:30). As we surrender more and more to Jesus we focus less and less on ourselves which in turn leads us towards spiritual growth.

2) Freedom: Jesus lived a sinless life. The more we consider ourselves “dead to sin” (Rom. 6:11) and live a life of purity the more like Jesus we will be. Are there sins in your life that are obstacles standing in the way of your intimacy with Christ?

Good news! Our freedom from sin comes with divine help. It is only through the word of God (Psalms 119:11) the intercession of Christ (Hebrews 7:25) and the power of the Holy Spirit who dwells within us (Galatians 5:16) that we can experience the freedom from sin that God promises. Freedom is a step towards maturity.

3) Glory: Central to the understanding of spiritual maturity is answering this question: What does it mean for me to glorify God? How would you answer that question?

1 Timothy 1:17 says: “Now to the King eternal, immortal, invisible, the only God, be honor and glory for ever and ever. Amen.” Glorifying God is the ultimate goal. It’s the apex and chief end of man. When we live for God’s glory, we put ourselves into the process of spiritual maturity. As we glorify God we begin to grow. (2 Cor. 3:18)

Where do I go from here?

There is much that has been said and written by far greater experts than I on this topic. I encourage you to pursue more resources like “The Spiritual Formation Workbook” by Richard Foster (We have it on the Reconciled World kindle account) if interested. I would also be happy to talk through some of the challenges you are facing in this area.

Your faith and life in Jesus is meant to grow! God works in different people in different ways. Some people grow rapidly, while others grow slowly, but steadily. Our focus should not be on comparing ourselves with others, but on comparing ourselves with Jesus Christ. May you find grace and peace as you submit to the process of spiritual maturity in your life!

Growth Point:

Your faith in Jesus is meant to grow and your spiritual maturity is a process that is grounded in surrender to Jesus, freedom from sin and seeking to live for God’s glory.

Scripture Point:

Read 2 Corinthians 3:18. What is God saying to you in this verse?

Action Point:

Take 30 minutes this week to journal. Specifically answer the three questions posed above.

  1. What does fully surrendering and following Jesus look like for you?
  2. Are their sins in your life that are obstacles standing in the way of your intimacy with Christ?
  3. What does it mean for me to glorify God?

http://www.cslewisinstitute.org/webfm_send/424

http://www.allaboutgod.com/spiritual-growth.htm

https://bible.org/seriespage/what-does-it-take-grow

https://www.gty.org/library/sermons-library/1385/keys-to-spiritual-growth-introduction