Spiritual maturity is about becoming more and more like Jesus Christ. Something I’ve figured out through the years is that some people go to church for 20, 30, maybe 50 years and never grow spiritually. Some are still stuck in their old ways, judgmental, self-centered, gossipy, and adolescent in their faith. Others look the part. They attend, serve, give and yet never surrender and allow the Holy Spirit to mature them.

Spiritual growth starts with a relationship with God through accepting Jesus Christ as Savior and Lord. Being a Christ-follower is not about imitating a behavior; it’s about the indwelling of the Holy Spirit in your life. There are two aspects of spiritual growth. The first is your part, accepting Jesus and asking God to change your heart, attitudes, character. The second is God’s part. He gives you strength and renews your life within. You work out what God is working in! It’s like going to the gym. As you work out you develop the muscles you already have, you don’t create muscles. God gave them to you; you just have to work out what he’s already given you.

Spiritual growth doesn’t just happen. It is a process, developed over time, gradually. It is a choice and requires commitment. You may know a lot about the Bible, but if you don’t put it into practice, it’s of no use. You must be committed to growth. You can say you believe the Bible, but if you don’t do what it says, then you don’t really believe.

Spiritual development requires building spiritual disciplines, habits. Don’t get it wrong, “doing doesn’t save you,” however your salvation requires that you act, or it is dead. Practices that help produce growth include, prayer, quiet time with God, listening to God, reading the Bible, fellowshipping, worshiping, tithing, fasting. Developing a habit of attending worship, for example, means you are faithful. You may not feel like getting out of bed, being around other people, serving, or whatever, but when you develop it as a habit, it’s not a Sunday morning decision. You go!

The New Testament instructs us to be in fellowship with other Christians. This is crucial to spiritual growth. Being part of a church family allows us to fulfil what is referred to as the “one anothers.” Love one another; accept one another; forgive one another, serve one another, help one another! Each of us has a part to fulfil in the body of Christ (the church). If we severe ourselves from the body, we die, just like a body part dies when severed from the physical body.

How do you know if you are maturing spiritually? It’s the same as how you know if a plant or tree is flourishing and maturing, it produces fruit. The Bible says that Christians will be known by their fruit.

Scriptures – Ephesians 4:14-15(NLT); 1 Corinthians 3:16(ESV); Ephesians 4:23-24(MSG); Philippians 2:12-13(NIV); John 6:66 (NIV); Matthew 16:24(NIV); 2 Corinthians 3:18(MSG); Hebrews 10:25(GNT); Ephesians 4:16(NLT); James 4:17(NIV); Matthew 22:29(NLT); 

Verses – Then we will no longer be immature like children. We won’t be tossed and blown about by every wind of new teaching. We will not be influenced when people try to trick us with lies so clever they sound like the truth. Instead, we will speak the truth in love, growing in every way more and more like Christ…. (Ep 4:14-15)

Questions – Do you believe you are continuing to mature spiritually? If so, how can you tell? What spiritual disciplines/habits do you faithfully practice? Did someone lead you to Christ? Explain. Is anyone going to heaven because you lived on this earth? How are you marking eternity with your one and only life?

Prayer – Dear God, help me to influence others for your kingdom. Thank you for those who loved me and cared enough to share the truth of Jesus with me. Help me to stay close to you through the daily disciplines that bring growth and keep my relationship with you strong. Help me to be a beneficial part of your body, the church! In Jesus’ Name I pray, amen.