Consider maturity. We see various levels of maturity across society at any given moment: “immature” all the way to those that are considered “most mature”. We experience different rates of progression for maturity (i.e., we mature at different rates; some faster & some slower). We also see different pinnacles of maturity achieved by everyone (i.e., we do not all attain the same level of maturity.)

Society understands that certain processes are fundamental to maturity: training in morality, teaching of certain basic skills, assumption of responsibility, instilling of discipline, character molding, opportunities for service, etc. We observe that those individuals afforded this kind of training generally tend to both mature quicker and reach higher levels of maturity. We also observe that individuals without the benefit of exposure to these processes rarely mature to the same level as those afforded exposure to these processes - and tend to become selfish, unhappy, unfulfilled, and unproductive adults

Maturity takes time. Regardless of what Madison Avenue teaches, we all realize there are no shortcuts to maturity. To wit, one can’t get a driver’s license until 16 (18 in Europe.) One can’t vote until 18. One can’t drink alcohol until 21. One can’t be President of the U.S. until 35.

No matter how gifted a teenager may be - he/she may have graduated from college with a Master’s Degree by the age of 15 and be capable of phenomenal intellectual feats … or he/she may be capable of playing with extraordinary skill the most difficult pieces of music in the world … or he/she may be an artist on the order of magnitude of a Michelangelo - the fact is no sizable organization entrusts its’ leadership to such an immature individual. The CEOs of IBM, Exxon, and AT&T are not teenagers. Why? Because everyone understands that maturity comes only with time.

This same principle is true of spiritual maturity. Ironically while most Christians reject the validity of shortcuts to maturity in the physical world, many of these same individuals foolishly expect and seek shortcuts to their spiritual maturity.

How many of you would realistically expect to impart maturity to a child by having them read a new, best-seller book that presents itself as having the “secret” keys to maturity? Or by paying for attendance at a week-long seminar that purposes to teach the “hidden” principles of maturity? Or by joining an exclusive organization that purports to impart maturity to its members in ways not otherwise possible?

Spiritual maturity (like physical) also requires time, patience and faithfulness. There are no shortcuts. Sadly though, many believers are always in search of the elusive “silver bullet” to bestow the mantle of spiritual maturity. Some of the more common, ineffective ways we may go about this Don Quixotic quest are:

- constantly changing churches
- looking for weekend seminars that promise to “change your life” and provide an unprecedented level of understanding
- reading the latest, best-selling Christian books that promise to “revolutionize” your spiritual grasp
- seeking a mystical, moutaintop experience with God (Consider the ultimate, mountain-top experience of the three disciples with Christ and His transfiguration [Mark 9:2-8] and the immature bickering among these same disciples just a short time later! [Mark 9:33-37]. And the fact that these same disciples would abandon Christ in His hour of need the night before His death.)

To realize the futility of such actions, how many of you really believe that maturity in the physical world is realized via such efforts as constantly changing schools, or employers? In fact, such behavior is commonly regarded as a sign of immaturity. Or by signing up for a “Tony Robbins” weekend seminar? Or by reading the latest, best-selling book on how to influence people and make millions? Or by seeking a mystical experience by trekking alone through a remote wilderness?

And just how do we most commonly measure maturity in the physical world? By intellectual attainment (ie, degrees attained?) By talents and gifts? By eloquence? By position attained? Of course not. We measure it by an individual’s actions in everyday life. Really mundane stuff.

The same is true of spiritual maturity.

And just what is “spiritual maturity”? The Bible is clear that Christians go through a process of maturing in their faith, their obedience, and their service to the kingdom of God (1 Pet 2:1-3; Eph 4:11-15; 1 Cor 3:1-2; Heb 5:12-14; etc.) While we may call this process of becoming more like God in our character “spiritual maturity”, the Bible commonly calls it “sanctification.”

Spiritual maturity is not:
- quick
- spiritual gifts
- mystical (i.e., manifested in out-of-world experiences, or ascetic suffering for the kingdom of God)
- enforced/legislated from the outside->in
- emotional highs or the “mountaintop experiences” of one’s relationship with God
- authority of leadership (i.e., the example of a husband who is a new believer)
- the sole work of God (In other words, it’s not God’s fault if you are stunted in your spiritual growth.)

On the other hand, Spiritual maturity is:
- a life-long process
- spiritual fruit
- practical, manifesting itself in concrete, mundane, everyday experiences of life
- from the inside->out
- faithfulness to God through the good & bad times
- servanthood
- our cooperation with God, the Holy Spirit

God, help to be become more like you as I walk with you day by day.

Bob
Fides Quaerens Intellectum

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Bob Pratico
Fides Quaerens Intellectum
(my Sojourn blog)