Spiritual Maturity

What does Spiritual Maturity really look like? The answers to that question will vary as much as the people who are asked it. I want you to think for a moment, what does it look like to you. Maybe list out some characteristics of a spiritually mature person on a sheet of paper. Think of those in your own life whom have shown you what it meant to be Jesus "with skin on". It always helped me to write down their names and then remember what it was that they seemed to possess which made them seem mature in their walk with God.

Okay, once you have your list of "things" that make someone spiritually mature, think of how you are doing in comparison to that list in your own life. Do you measure up? Are you walking with God as those people who influenced your life? Why or Why not? I know my list included some pretty simple, yet difficult things....for example: loving everyone, yet never condoning sin; praying and reading scriptures daily; being there for others, even when you don't "feel" like it. I didn't measure up too well compared to some old saints in the church in which I grew up. I am just now beginning to realize the impact of some of the godly men of my early years, who were my spiritual fathers. To help you with your list read Ephesians 4: 2-16

Once you have seen where you measure up on the list you have created, then ask yourself the question, "What needs to change in order for me to be mature in spirit?" Do I have someone to which I am ministering (a Timothy), someone who is walking with me (a Barnabas), and someone who is holding me to a higher standard through their example (a Paul)? Can I truly be a disciple of Christ unless I am making a disciple? If you are lacking these three persons in your life, then pray God will provide them for you.

How do we get from where we are now, to where we want to be?
L-ove
A-ccountablity
B-alance
O-bedience
R-elationships

We must LABOR....not by works, so we will not boast in ourselves....but by faith in the Son of God. We need all these to make it in our walk....and be spiritually mature. One thing is for sure, "if we never change what we're doing, we'll never change who we're being." The first step is to change our mindset (see Romans 8:5-8), and truly learn to LOVE ONE ANOTHER (John 15:17).

Remember, spiritual maturity is not so much a destination as it is a journey.....Enjoy the journey!