Spiritual Maturity

Spiritual maturity doesn't come with age or length of salvation. 

It isn't dependent on your position in the church or the ways in which you serve the Lord.

It isn't dependent on your opinion about holidays or politics.

It isn't dependent on the way you school your children or the type of clothes you wear.

Spiritual maturity isn't about you.

It's about God.

It's having no money, no time, no passions or pursuits, no hobbies and no desires apart from Jesus Christ. It's dying to self daily. 

It's being willing to uncover every sin, selfishness, pride, idolatry. It's being willing to lay aside all preconceived ideas and to align your decisions and desires with the Word of God.

Spiritual maturity is bring yourself to the Almighty God, completely empty, waiting to be filled.

Filled with His Spirit.

A Spirit filled life is overflowing with Love, Joy, Peace, Patience, Kindness, Goodness, Faithfulness Gentleness, and Self-Control.

These are not character qualities. They are not personality traits. And they are not optional. 

The mark of a mature Christian is one who recognizes that without the Spirit of the Lord, they have no hope of living a life pleasing to God. We must have faith. Faith that diligently seeks to please the Lord in all good things.

Spiritual maturity is about seeking God and His will for our life.

In the big things, and in the small things,

Even when it's inconvenient and counter cultural.

But it isn't about being perfect.

It isn't about comparing ourselves to other people.

Spiritual maturity recognizes that our standard for holiness is God himself and that even the most devoted Christian is still fallen and in need of a Savior.

It is an excellent pursuit, a noble calling, a worthy path.

But it's not something we can do on our own. 

It's not a goal we can attain or an achievement we can win.

It's the humbleness of a heart and mind, completely dependent on the grace and mercy of our Lord Jesus Christ.