Are We Spiritually Mature?

For some time now, sadly, spiritual maturity has been associated with important leadership positions in congregations or with great theological knowledge and eloquence by people in the church. This vision, without a doubt, is highly harmful to the proper development of life through the Gospel.

Some people who have a certain level of influence in their faith community are attracted to being recognized by others as special, or mature. In this way, they look for a thousand ways to proclaim themselves with titles or positions that will make them, in some way, elevate their status over other brothers and sisters.

But maturity is nothing about power positions. Actually, the example that we find of Jesus was the opposite. He used for himself the title, “Son of Man.” While kings of his time used the title “Son of God,” Jesus stated, “just as the Son of Man did not come to be served, but to serve, and to give his life as a ransom for many.” Matthew 20:28

Nevertheless, concerning spiritual maturity, I find the explanation by Paul of Tarsus supremely attractive. In his first letter to the Corinthians in chapter three, he states:

“Brothers and sisters, I could not address you as people who live by the Spirit but as people who are still worldly—mere infants in Christ.  I gave you milk, not solid food, for you were not yet ready for it. Indeed, you are still not ready.  You are still worldly. For since there is jealousy and quarreling among you, are you not worldly? Are you not acting like mere humans?”

For the Apostle, walking in quarreling is synonymous with spiritual immaturity. This is a clear allusion to love, respect and tolerance for the brothers and sisters, for those who, although they differ on some matters, and even beliefs, are servants of God, because they serve others.

This does not mean we need to agree with others on all things, but we cannot take our differences to a place of strife and inconsideration. The year 2024 is inviting us to keep growing!

Warmly,

David