When you allow your inner being to grow and mature according to the will of God instead of your own will, that's regarded as spiritual maturity. There are several reasons it's essential in our faith walk, including our ability to navigate tough times, how we take care of our families and our discipleship journey with other believers.
Hebrews 6:1 says, "We must try to become mature and start thinking about more than just the basic things we were taught about Christ. We shouldn't need to keep talking about why we ought to turn from deeds that bring death and why we ought to have faith in God."
Our spiritual maturity is revealed in moments when worldly ways seem easier or more desirable, but we choose to follow a higher path instead. Romans 12:2 says, "And do not be conformed to this world, but be transformed by the renewing of your mind, that you may prove what is that good and acceptable and perfect will of God."
But it takes time, spiritual discipline and the right guidance to reach spiritual maturity. The following steps may help you along this journey.
It's written, "Let us search out and examine our ways, And turn back to the Lord;" Lamentations 3:40. We may face many trials and tribulations throughout our faith journey, but we must search and examine our response to these events.
Introspection and self-reflection are important exercises to understand whether our responses are faith-based or fear-filled. The more we default to turning to God, the more we rely on him as our source, provider and protector. Reflect on your responses, and, when possible, journal them to gain insight.
One of the best ways to renew your mind is to include faith-based activities in your daily routine. Prayer meetings, Bible study and meditation should form part of your day-to-day if you want to immerse yourself in a spirit-filled life. Spiritual maturity also requires you to say no to routines that can derail you on your faith walk.
Even when you face your toughest trials or temptations, the Word says that God will provide a way out. "No temptation has overtaken you except such as is common to man; but God is faithful, who will not allow you to be tempted beyond what you are able, but with the temptation will also make the way of escape, that you may be able to bear it." I Corinthians 10:13
Community is an important aspect of our faith walk. For Christians, this includes fellowship. Bible study, services and community outreach projects that all let us build relationships with others who are on the same faith journey. Fellowship also makes us accountable to others.
Those who want to elevate their spiritual maturity need to elevate their encounters with others and understand the workings of the body of Christ. The Word says, "Now you are the body of Christ, and members individually." I Corinthians 12:27
The Bible is the Christian handbook for life and growth. The Word of God offers much wisdom and insight into our daily lives. Without knowing what God has to say about us and the promises he's made to us, we'd find ourselves in spiritual limbo. The Bible lets us read the journeys and teachings of others and how those journeys align with God's will. The Word also offers a guideline as to how we should conduct ourselves in times of trouble. We can also test what others say to us about ourselves and how we should live according to the Word.
Discipleship is a common theme throughout the New Testament and doesn't stop with Jesus and his disciples. To obtain more spiritual maturity, it's important to submit to spiritual leadership and let the discipleship process continue. Find a spiritual leader who preaches a sound doctrine and can guide you through some of life's toughest faith tests.
Submit to their leadership and learn the journey of discipleship so you can continue it once you've reached spiritual maturity. It's written, "Let the elders who rule well be counted worthy of double honor, especially those who labor in the word and doctrine. For the Scripture says, 'You shall not muzzle an ox while it treads out the grain,' and 'The laborer is worthy of his wages.' " I Timothy 5:17-18
