What Is Spiritual Maturity? By Babatunde Olugboji
Spiritual maturity can be defined as allowing one’s inner being to grow and mature according to God’s will rather than one’s own. Spiritual maturity can be confusing and intimidating. In a lot of ways, it’s harder to qualify, articulate, describe, or define, compared to, for example, physical, mental, or emotional maturity.
Achieving spiritual growth involves becoming more akin to Jesus Christ. Following salvation, every Christian embarks on a journey of spiritual growth, aiming to reach a state of spiritual maturity. The apostle Paul describes this journey as a continuous one that will last beyond this earthly existence.
In Philippians 3:12–14, while discussing complete understanding of Christ, Paul shares with his audience that he hasn’t fully achieved this or attained perfection yet. However, he says, he continues to strive towards grasping what Christ has already achieved. He acknowledges that he hasn’t fully grasped it yet. Yet, he commits to focusing on the future, striving to achieve the goal of earning the reward that God has destined for him in Christ. Like Paul, we must persistently seek a deeper understanding of God in Christ.
Achieving spiritual growth demands a significant shift in one’s focus, moving from self-centered desires to serving and pleasing God, and learning to follow His will. The cornerstone of spiritual growth lies in consistency and dedication to the actions that lead us closer to God. These actions, known as spiritual disciplines, encompass activities like reading and studying the Bible, prayer, joining others in fellowship, serving the community, and managing our resources wisely. Despite our best efforts, none of this is achievable without the presence of the Holy Spirit within us.
The passage from Galatians 5:16 instructs us to “walk by the Spirit.” The Greek term for “walk” here signifies “to move with a clear purpose.” Further in the same Chapter, Paul reiterates the importance of “walking by the Spirit,” using the term “walk” to suggest moving forward in a step-by-step manner. This involves learning to follow the guidance of the Holy Spirit. Being filled with the Spirit means we are guided by the Spirit’s will. As we become more attuned to the Spirit’s guidance, we will also witness an enhancement of the fruit of the spirit in our lives (Galatians 5:22–23). This is a clear sign of spiritual growth and maturity.
Upon being born again, we receive everything necessary for spiritual growth. Peter shares, “God has bestowed upon us all that is related to living a godly life, through the understanding of Him who has invited us to His highest and most admirable state.” (2 Peter 1:3) Only God is our source, and our growth is achieved through his grace, yet it is up to us to make the choice of availing ourselves of this grace.
Peter further guides us in this aspect: “Because of this, strive to enhance your faith with virtue, virtue with wisdom, wisdom with discipline, discipline with perseverance, perseverance with godliness, godliness with kindness, and kindness with love. For if these traits are within you and are growing, they prevent you from being ineffective or unproductive in your knowledge of our Lord Jesus Christ.” (2 Peter 1:5–8) Being effective and productive in our knowledge of Jesus Christ is the core of spiritual growth.
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