Maturing in Faith: Lessons from Scripture

What is Spiritual Maturity?

How do we measure spiritual maturity? Is it our ability to “hear” God’s voice, to abstain from sexual sin, or the extent to which others seek our “godly wisdom”? While these attributes may complement spiritual maturity, they do not fully encapsulate it according to Scripture.

To establish a biblical foundation, we should consider how Hebrews and James complement each other. The measurement of spiritual maturity is often misrepresented in phrases like, “You are suffering because, if not you, then who?” or “God gives His strongest battles to His strongest soldiers.” While these sayings aim to comfort, they can mislead us by suggesting that suffering is a mark of divine selection. This self-centered view can disconnect us from Jesus and hinder our spiritual growth.

Distinguishing Good from Evil

A true measure of spiritual maturity is our ability to distinguish good from evil (Hebrews 5:14). This discernment enables us to navigate life's complexities not just through cultural norms but through the wisdom found in Scripture. It means actively engaging with God's Word, rather than waiting for a “prompting” to act.

For instance, understanding that the gospel must be shared regardless of governmental approval or opposition, recognizing how certain sins dishonor God, or discerning God's message when it is not explicitly stated are vital aspects of spiritual growth. Just as God communicated complex truths to the Pharisees in ways they struggled to understand, we must also recognize that spiritual insight requires a receptive heart.

The Purpose of Suffering

We often overlook the biblical perspective on suffering, which serves as a means for spiritual refinement (Hebrews 5:8). Jesus learned obedience through suffering, demonstrating that trials can deepen our faith and maturity.

Our struggle to comprehend suffering indicates a lack of understanding of its purpose in God’s plan. As Hebrews 5:14 suggests, true maturity involves discerning good from evil, and part of that discernment comes from understanding why we experience trials. If we prioritize comfort over growth, we risk remaining spiritually immature, failing to hear the Spirit's guidance (Revelation 2:11).

Moving Toward Maturity

To progress in spiritual maturity, consider these steps:

1. Open Your Heart to God: Be receptive to the things of God, moving away from relying solely on human wisdom (Proverbs 3:5-6).

2. Engage with the Holy Spirit: Allow the Holy Spirit to teach and remind you of Christ’s teachings (John 14:26).

3. Meditate on Scripture: Reflect on God’s Word daily (Psalm 1:2-3), preparing your heart for life's challenges.

   
   

Ultimately, spiritual maturity requires a proactive engagement with Scripture and a willingness to let God refine us through our experiences. This journey is about aligning our lives with biblical truths and being open to the transformative work of the Holy Spirit.