Spiritual Maturity
The Path to Spiritual Maturity
1 Corinthians 3
There is nothing quite like the wonder of a new life; a baby in all of its beauty and wonder and hope for the future. Babies are cute and adorable. But of course, the expectation is that they will grow, develop and mature, and that they will not stay babies. Maybe they will become teachers or accountants or police officers or representatives of congress or maybe even the President of the United States; but most importantly, may they all become fully devoted followers of Christ. A similar process is of growth and development is integral to the Christian life. Sadly, many believers get stuck in the baby stage of conversion and never develop into mature disciples of Christ. The Apostle Paul addresses this problem in his letter to the church at Corinth. I invite you to read 1 Corinthians 3 and evaluate your own spiritual life and where you are in the growth journey toward spiritual maturity.
Spiritual Maturity Path
The path to spiritual maturity is developmental and progressive in nature.
BABY
The path to spiritual maturity begins with the new start of an authentic conversion experience.
We are all ‘baby’ Christians when we first accept Christ as our Savior.
“mere infants in Christ. 2 I gave you milk, not solid food, for you were not yet ready for it.”
(1 Corinthians 3:1b-2)
Toddler
As ‘toddler’ Christians we begin to take our first steps with Christ and start to crave spiritual
food. “Like newborn babies, crave pure spiritual milk, so that by it you may grow up in your salvation” (1 Peter 2:2)
Teenager
‘Teenager’ Christians are exploring life in Christ. “So then, just as you received Christ Jesus as Lord, continue to live your lives in him, 7 rooted and built up in him, strengthened in the faith as you were taught, and overflowing with thankfulness.” (Colossians 2:6-7)
Young Adult
Christians who reach to ‘Young Adult’ stage of Christianity are immersing themselves in ministry. “Therefore let us move beyond the elementary teachings about Christ and be taken forward to maturity” (Hebrews 6:1a)
Parent
Those who reach the ‘Parent’ stage begin to inspire new disciples. “He is the one we proclaim, admonishing and teaching everyone with all wisdom, so that we may present everyone fully mature in Christ.” (Colossians 1:28)
Grandparent
People who reach the ‘Grandparent’ stage have become legacy leaders.
“Let perseverance finish its work so that you may be mature and complete, not lacking anything.” (James 1:4)
In conclusion, there is only way to grow spiritually . . . OBEDIENCE! Are you consistently progressing in spiritual maturity to be more and more like Jesus?