3 Ways show Spiritual Maturity

         One of the weekly meetings that I have with the Sr. High students takes place on Sunday nights.  During this time we try address a topic that is pertinent to all of us, and usually something that is current.  This last week I wanted to take a look at what a spiritually mature person is like because our culture tells us something very different than the Bible. 

    

    1. The world shows a “mature person” as someone who has their life in order.  They wear nice clothes, have a nice job, behave in a professional manner, and make sure that they are perceived in that way.  But Biblical maturity sees more of the inside of a person than the outside.  We, with the help of the Holy Spirit, should see people as creations that are loved by God.  We can wear goofy clothes, work at a roller skating rink, and have fun in life and still be mature.  Of course we can also wear nice clothes, have a nice job, and behave professionally and be spiritually mature at the same time.  It is not external things that show our maturity.

    

   2. Another way that our culture defines maturity is having a lot of knowledge.  The more you know the more mature you are.  However a spiritually mature person will seek the truth, with grace and compassion.  2 Peter 3:18 calls us to grow in knowledge, but it also is sure to tell us to do that with grace.  So instead of knowing a lot, we need to recognize that there are things we don’t know, and strive after those to the glory of God.

    

    3. One trait of maturity that our culture lifts up is being sure of ourselves.  If we have self-confidence and assurance we must be mature.  But true maturity follows God in all ways.  Sacrificing our own desires and allowing God to lead is a much better way to exhibit maturity.

Our goal should be for spiritual maturity as opposed to the maturity that the world has to offer.  Our life should be dedicated to the Lord, with the understanding that we are living for him instead of our own selfish desires. 

Maturity does not always come with age.  Instead a mature person is humble and kind, sacrificial and loving, and aware of God in their lives.

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Josh Earhart

About the Author:
Josh serves on staff at Westchester as Associate Pastor of Student Ministries