What is spiritual maturity? Our spiritual maturity definition

What does it mean to be a spiritual person? What about spiritual maturity? Spiritual maturity is something that goes far beyond the restrictions of religion. It is a multifaceted concept that encompasses the deepening of one’s spiritual beliefs, values, and practices. Our definition of spiritual maturity will revolve around Christianity but in a deeper sense. Just because you follow the word of God is not enough. You need to have worked on yourself to the point that you have a strong sense of self-awareness and thus, inner peace.

Having spiritual maturity does not mean you have to be a disciple of the Lord, or Christ Jesus. God wants you to know that It means you understand that you are connected to something greater than yourself. In order to grow spiritually, you will need to begin understanding the world around you more empathetically and show compassion toward others, regardless of their faith. They will clearly understand the difference between right and wrong, and help others to learn this as well.

Infant or immature Christians would look up to the mature for wisdom and guidance. Apostle Peter described this perfectly in Peter 2:2: “Like newborn babies, crave pure spiritual milk, so that by it you may grow up in your salvation”

What are the characteristics of spiritual maturity?

The spiritual maturity characteristics make it fairly easy to determine how a spiritually mature Christian, or someone who has grown in their own spiritual manner. Mature Christians would follow in the footsteps of Jesus Christ through sacrifice. They will possess the wisdom of great means through their bible study and work with scripture. They will be kind and compassionate towards those around them. They will be patient in intense moments, or with those who have only just started to grow spiritually. You will move through life with grace, and letting go of selfishness, and greed. They will strive for inner peace, and display the fruits of God. In other words, they will show the following traits:

• Humility
• Kindness
• Love and Compassion
• Self-control
• Patience
• Integrity and Authenticity
• Heavenly consistency
• Obedience
• Willingness to grow spiritually
• Inner peace
• Empathetic

The 7 signs of spiritual maturity

Here are seven signs, or marks of spiritual maturity:

• Humility

They possess a humble spirit, recognizing their dependence on God and acknowledging their own limitations and need for His grace. Not even Apostle Peter or Paul would say they were fully grown and mature Christians. This is because they are humble in their faith. They recognize that maturing as a christian is an ongoing thing, and one never ceases to learn or increase in maturity. Apostle Paul said in Philippians “Not that I have already obtained all this, or have already been made perfect, but I press on to take hold of that for which Christ Jesus took hold of me. Brothers, I do not consider myself yet to have taken hold of it. But one thing I do: Forgetting what is behind and straining toward what is ahead, I press on toward the goal to win the prize for which God has called me heavenward in Christ Jesus” 

• Surrender to God daily

A spiritually mature Christian understands the significance of surrendering to God daily. This act of surrender is a conscious decision to submit their will, desires, and plans to God’s perfect purpose and guidance. Through this, they show how they believe God always has their back, no matter what. They believe in God’s plan, that it will lead them to their greater purpose.

• Always Optimistic

Much like the point above, mature Christians will always seem to be optimistic. Even when there seems to be no reason to feel positive, like when everything seems to be going wrong. The spiritually mature Christian will be optimistic because they believe that God’s plan has a reason for putting them in that position. They understand that there are lessons to be learned, and god will never let them fall, so long as they believe.

• Remains Cool and Collected in Pressured Moment
  

A spiritually mature Christian possesses a remarkable ability to remain cool and collected in pressured moments. This composure stems from their deep trust in God’s sovereignty and their unwavering faith that He is always in control. Rather than succumbing to panic or anxiety, they rely on the peace that surpasses all understanding, knowing that God’s presence is with them.

• Integrity

Like Jesus, a mature Christian lives a life of integrity. They, align their actions with their beliefs and consistently demonstrate their faith in all areas of life. They are unashamed of their faith and thrive off their authentic relationship with God and others. they do not see a need to pretend to be someone they are not, as their faith has proven everything to them. They choose their faith over everything every day.

• Self-Control

A spiritually mature Christian demonstrates great self-control. They believe this is the fruit of the Holy Spirit at work within them. They do not give in to their temptations as they are highly aware of their weaknesses and vulnerabilities and seek God’s help in overcoming them. they are also diligent in their studies of scripture. They wish to please God as best they can.

• Empathetic and compassionate

A spiritually mature Christian is highly empathetic and compassionate. Their understanding that God created all life on Earth fuels their genuine love and concern for the wellbeing of others. They feel wholeheartedly that everyone deserves kindness, understanding, and support. This does not change for believers of other religions, they do not discriminate. Spiritually mature Christians will humbly seek to uplift and encourage others, offering a glimpse of God’s love and compassion.

How can I develop my spiritual growth and maturity?

Christian maturity comes with a practical approach. We all start our spiritual journey as newborn infants. Then, as we learn and grow, our faith matures. It might be worthwhile to find a mentor who can help teach you the holy words of God. you can speak to them about your understanding of your faith, and they can guide you. you can also read each verse in the bible together. This is a sure way to gain insight into your beliefs.

Peter 1:3-9 reminds you that God is the source. “His divine power has given us everything we need for life and godliness through our knowledge of him who called us by his own glory and goodness. Through these, he has given us his very great and precious promises, so that through them you may participate in the divine nature and escape the corruption in the world caused by evil desires. For this very reason, make every effort to add to your faith goodness; and to goodness, knowledge; and to knowledge, self-control; and to self-control, perseverance; and to perseverance, godliness; and to godliness, brotherly kindness; and to brotherly kindness, love. For if you possess these qualities in increasing measure, they will keep you from being ineffective and unproductive in your knowledge of our Lord Jesus Christ. But if anyone does not have them, he is nearsighted and blind, and has forgotten that he has been cleansed from his past sins.”

Moreover, the importance of studying god’s word must be recognized. It may help you increase your spiritual maturity. As it says in Timothy 2:15; 3:16-17, “Do your best to present yourself to God as one approved, a workman who does not need to be ashamed and who correctly handles the word of truth…All Scripture is God-breathed and is useful for teaching, rebuking, correcting, and training in righteousness, so that the man of God may be thoroughly equipped for every good work.”

What does it mean to be spiritually mature to you?

Being a spiritually mature person means different things to everyone. Tell us how you perceive being spiritually mature. What do you like to do to boost your spirituality? Finding a spiritual mentor could help you on your journey to spiritual maturity. Or, try this “What stage of spiritual awakening am I in quiz“.

Our Key takeaways on growing in spiritual maturity

As you move along learning how to start a spiritual journey, you will mature and evolve. We hope you enjoyed this article on spiritual maturity. Remember the signs of spiritual maturity, they are a great way to recognize your maturity or immaturity. Share this article with your friends! You never know who might benefit from reading this little bit of knowledge.

We have designed a quiz to help you see how spiritually mature you are – just in case you were curious!

Resources:

1. https://www.allaboutfollowingjesus.org/spiritual-maturity.htm
2. https://himpublications.com/blog/spiritual-maturity/
3. https://pastors.com/the-five-marks-of-spiritual-maturity/
4. https://www.womanofnoblecharacter.com/spiritually-mature/