Beginning To Explore “Spiritual Maturity” For the Rest of Us

Recently I saw a video from a men’s ministry group. The leader of the organization talked about making “spiritually mature” disciples. Apparently, he knew what that would look like and how to get men to that point. By engaging in his program, he would help men get there. I applaud his sincere heart. In the South they’d say, “Bless his heart!” Which means, “Nice try, partner.” Yet, this experience has really got me thinking about spiritual maturity. It has sent me on an exploration I’d like to share with you over the next few weeks. 

[featured-image single_newwindow=”false”]

I feel like David picking up some stones to throw at Goliath. I am a nobody looking to conquer a huge behemoth so advocated by evangelical Christians. The task is way beyond me. However, there is so much confusion and misinformation surrounding “spiritual maturity” that someone needs to take it on. I’m foolish enough to try. 

Everyone believes in spiritual maturity, right? Isn’t that the goal of the Christian life? Don’t we all want to grow spiritually until we reach maturity? Who would question that idea? 

Please bear with me. I’ll be doing lots of thinking out loud. I’ll be challenging some core beliefs. I’ll be messing with a few commonly accepted ideas. I’ll be questioning my own questions. I’ll be attempting to formulate a fuller and more robust “model” for our spiritual lives. I am no expert on these things. I just have a desire to see where the evidence leads. 

My goal is to help you enter more fully into the life God has designed for you. I think that the current model of spiritual maturity may be hindering you from that fuller life. I want to see if that’s true or not. 

You can get in on the exploration by reading these posts, by seeking to understand, by asking questions, and by sharing this information with others. 

Let me begin with two statements that will get you thinking: 

1. Jesus does not invite you to be spiritually mature. He invites you to be perfect. “You therefore must be perfect, as your heavenly Father is perfect” (Matthew 5.48). 
2. “While most Americans are relatively content with their spirituality ‘as is,’ millions aspire to grow spiritually.” This statement comes from a 2009 report of the Barna Research Group. The full report can be found here. I’ll be referring to it from time to time. 

Thank you for engaging The UnCommon Journey were the approach to the Christian life is real, unconventional, and substantial. Our only goal is your spiritual flourishing. I want you to live life fully in the life of the Trinity. 

Do you have questions about “spiritual maturity?” Send them to me below. Thanks!! 

Dr. K