The Path to Christian Maturity

Photo by Hannah Busing on Unsplash

Christian maturity is the goal for those who are following Jesus. But what does it look like? In the letter to the Colossians Paul lays out a challenging and comprehensive picture of what it is. I will break this scripture down for you to help you gain some perspective – and give you a plan to help you move in that direction.

And so, from the day we heard, we have not ceased to pray for you, asking that you may be filled with the knowledge of his will in all spiritual wisdom and understanding, so as to walk in a manner worthy of the Lord, fully pleasing to him: bearing fruit in every good work and increasing in the knowledge of God; being strengthened with all power, according to his glorious might, for all endurance and patience with joy; giving thanks to the Father, who has qualified you to share in the inheritance of the saints in light.

Colossians 1:9–12 (ESV)

The idea of maturity laid out here includes both being and doing.

Christian Maturity – Who we are

Who we are is central to the work God does in our lives. As followers of Jesus, we are transformed into new people! Here are some of the characteristics of who we are as revealed in this scripture.

Filled with the knowledge of God’s will

God’s will is the best will for our lives. When we are filled with the knowledge his will, we can walk with confidence and assurance. Knowing his will transforms our minds, transforms our lives and makes us brand new! Christian maturity means we are full of the knowledge of God’s will.

Having spiritual wisdom and understanding

This goes with having the knowledge of God’s will. When we know God’s will we begin to live with wisdom and understanding. His will opens our minds to the infinite knowledge of God!

Strengthened with power

Mature followers of Jesus are full of Holy Spirit power. They do things by faith that are impossible for anyone to accomplish in their own strength. That power is absolutely consistent with the nature of God’s Spirit who is with us and in us as we follow Jesus. But the power is accessed by our faith. It is there. It is who we are.

Enduring

Another part of our growth in maturity is endurance. This is made possible by the power of the Holy Spirit. He helps us to endure no matter our circumstances and trials.

Patient

This is a natural part of Christian maturity. Being focused on following Jesus allows us to put many frustrating distractions aside. Knowing that we are secure in our relationship with God also means there are far fewer things to be anxious about – in fact, there is truly nothing to be anxious about. So, we are willing to wait for whatever comes next.

Joyful

The life of following Jesus, the life of maturity is a life of joy. This joy transcends all trials and trouble that come at us in life. It is a deep and profound reality experienced when we have peace with God.

Grateful

Every good and perfect thing, every good experience in our lives, every joy, every encouragement and all of life itself is a gift from God. Therefore, we are grateful. Maturity is seasoned with gratitude.

Rich

I am not talking about material wealth but about our inheritance in heaven. Eternal life with God is a reward so overwhelming it puts all material blessing to shame! Knowing we have an eternal inheritance makes us rich beyond measure.

Christian Maturity – What we do

Just as the character of our lives are changed – our being, so are the activities of our lives altered – our doing, as we grow into Christian maturity

Living in a manner worthy of the Lord

There is a practical daily walk that is worthy of the Lord. That is the walk of obedience to the known will of God, as well as a walk that seeks out his will for every occasion. Daily living characterized by mercy, grace, compassion and love models the very life that Jesus lived while he was on earth.

This is only possible when we are fully surrendered to him and committed to his will and his way.

Bearing fruit in every good work

When we strive to do good to others, we will bear fruit. Needs are all around us in the church, in our neighborhoods, at work, at school, in our cities and in our rural areas. Doing all we can to meet those needs, as God directs brings glory to God and demonstrates the love God has for his creation.

Increase in knowledge of God

Christian maturity is not a destination. It is reaching the point where we are hungrier than ever for the experiential knowledge of God. We want more of him. We want to know him better and love him more. We are then striving to this end, as I will explain in the plan that follows.

The plan

To be and do all that you should to attain Christian maturity, I recommend a few important spiritual disciplines: regular Bible reading and study, frequent prayer, faithful attendance in corporate worship, a discipling relationship with a small group of Jesus followers and a very conscious and intentional effort to be like Jesus in all you think, say and do.

While all of this is not complicated, it is also not easy. The glorious truth of things, though, is that if you do all these things the Holy Spirit will empower you to persevere and continue to grow.

Your turn

The plan is comprehensive and demanding. Are you willing to do it? It is the path to Christian maturity and the abundant life that will enable you to change your world!