Spiritual maturity plays a crucial role in effective discipleship. It is a continuous journey of growing closer to the Lord and emulating the character of Jesus Christ. In Ephesians 4:13, the Bible emphasizes the significance of spiritual maturity, stating that it leads to the church becoming an accurate manifestation of Christ in the world. Today, I will explore the indicators of spiritual maturity and how believers can practically apply them in their lives. This is an expert from our Sunday service Livestream which you can watch here.
Indicators of Spiritual Maturity:
One of the critical indicators of spiritual maturity is stability and discernment. According to Ephesians 4:14, mature believers are not easily swayed by various teachings and philosophies. They possess a firm foundation in the truth of God’s Word and can discern between what is true and what is false. In a world filled with misleading doctrines, this stability is crucial for the unity of faith and knowledge of the Son of God within the church.
Speaking the truth in love is another crucial aspect of spiritual maturity, as highlighted in Ephesians 4:15. It is not enough to possess knowledge; it must be communicated in a context of humility, love, and forgiveness. Mature believers understand the delicate balance between truth and love, recognizing that both are essential in fostering healthy interactions within the church. By embracing this approach, they contribute to the betterment of the body of Christ.
Mature believers actively participate in the life of the body of Christ, as described in Ephesians 4:16. They understand that every member has a role to play and that when each person effectively uses their spiritual gifts, the body grows and edifies itself in love. This stands in stark contrast to the attitude of consumerism and a “bless me” mentality prevalent in some places. Meaningful participation involves serving others, utilizing one’s gifts, and contributing to the overall health and growth of the church.
Now that you’re up to speed, how can you be practical and attain it in your own life?
Seek Solid Spiritual Nourishment:
As believers, I believe that we should go beyond the basics and seek solid spiritual nourishment. Study the word of God, engage in prayer, and seek guidance from mature believers or seasoned leaders in the faith. Colossians 2:6-7 reminds us to be rooted and established in our faith, which requires a constant seeking and deepening of our relationship with God.
Foster a Culture of Lovingly Truthful Communication:
To cultivate spiritual maturity, it is essential to promote a culture of lovingly truthful communication within the church. Speak the truth in love, but also demonstrate humility, forgiveness, and grace. By following the example of Christ, who balanced grace and truth, you too can foster an environment where members of the body can openly share God’s truth and grow together.
Identify and Use Your Spiritual Gifts:
Lastly, identify and use our spiritual gifts within the body of Christ. You have been uniquely gifted by God, and when you use these gifts to serve others, you contribute to the growth and edification of the church. By actively participating in the life of the body, we not only mature spiritually but also create a thriving community where everyone is valued and utilized.
Attaining spiritual maturity is a lifelong journey that requires intentional effort and a deepening relationship with God. If you can embody stability and discernment, by speaking the truth in love and actively participating in the life of the body of Christ, others are challenged to become effective disciples, emulating the character of Jesus Christ. Remember that it all starts with practical steps. When there is doubt about the doctrine that you hear, seek solid spiritual nourishment, foster a culture of open and lovingly truthful communication with those you trust, and identify and utilize your spiritual gifts to serve the body of Christ. As you do so, you will not only experience personal growth but also contribute to the vibrant and united body of Christ.