Walking in the Spirit – Maturity Levels

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But the natural, nonspiritual man does not accept or welcome or admit into his heart the gifts and teachings and revelations of the Spirit of God, for they are folly (meaningless nonsense) to him; and he is incapable of knowing them [of progressively recognizing, understanding, and becoming better acquainted with them] because they are spiritually discerned and estimated and appreciated.

But the spiritual man tries all things. He examines, investigates, inquires into, questions, and discerns all things, yet is himself to be put on trial and judged by no one [he can read the meaning of everything, but no one can properly discern or appraise or get an insight into him]. – 1 Corinthians 2:14-15 (amplified)

A while back a close friend shared something about spiritual maturity with me that I will never forget. ..There are three basic levels of Christianity.

Level One: Infancy…aka…baby Christians.

Most Christians never get past this stage. They live and walk through their natural senses and have little or no faith. They still watch and listen to things that are not good for them. They rarely read the Bible and certainly with no real dedication or consistency.

They are moved and swayed by every circumstance and have no power or authority….well, they have it, they just do not use it or apply it because they are clueless. They do not tithe. They rarely serve and still gossip and hold grudges.

Baby Christians are much like real infants. They are helpless. They offer no real contribution other than being needy. We ALL have to go through this stage.

Unfortunately, MOST Christians will remain at this stage their entire lives. It is very sad. They will never live up to the potential and true calling that God has for them.

If you are insulted by level one, you are probably one of them. Or, if you know you fall into this category, you may be thinking, “I do not want to remain here!”

Either way, you do not have to remain at this level. You can make a change and CHOOSE to grow up. How? We will get to that later…

Level Two: Adolescence…aka…childhood/teen

A few Christians graduate to level 2. Not many, but a few. These Christians either tithe regularly or at list give frequently. They have enough faith to pray when something goes wrong. They may sway though if their prayer is not answered right away.

They read their Bible semi regularly, although they find it difficult to apply many times and it can become a religious thing if they are not careful.

They serve on occasion and have spiritually matured enough to make better choices as far as what they listen to and watch. They get convicted when they gossip…they may not always submit to the conviction, however, they do have a recognition of it.

Unfortunately, they are still not completely dependent and submitted to God. So, they have many struggles and many times feel like they will never “grow up.”

Level Three: Adulthood…aka…Spiritually Mature

Very few Christians, actually not many at all, make it to this level. The sad part is this is the level that ALL Christians should be actively aiming for. Do not misunderstand, we will never be perfect here. Perfection will come when we get to be in Heaven with Daddy God.

However, spiritual maturity will not only make life here easier to bare, we will be more effective and productive in furthering the Kingdom and representing Christ properly.

Adulthood means that in your Christian walk, you have leaned not to be swayed by circumstances. You have peace, real peace. You are a consistent tither. You obey God’s Word on a regular basis. You are shedding flesh and self on a daily basis. You have an active prayer life. You hear form God. You are actively involved with your church. You do not allow yourself to participate in gossip. You are in the Word on a daily basis because you want to and cannot function without it. You are aware and active in spiritual warfare. You are completely sold out and on fire for Christ and can care less about this world or the things of it. You are an adult…spiritually mature and maturing more every day.

You will hear; “well done my good and faithful servant”, I am sure.

Now, seriously, what level are you at? Do a self check.

Dear brothers and sisters, when I was with you I couldn’t talk to you as I would to spiritual people. I had to talk as though you belonged to this world or as though you were infants in the Christian life.

I had to feed you with milk, not with solid food, because you weren’t ready for anything stronger. And you still aren’t ready,

for you are still controlled by your sinful nature. You are jealous of one another and quarrel with each other. Doesn’t that prove you are controlled by your sinful nature? Aren’t you living like people of the world? – 1 Corinthians 3:1-3

No matter what level, improvements are still needed. We have not arrived anywhere and never will while here on earth.

Practical Steps to Grow into a Spiritually Mature Christian

Develop Active Prayer Life. This requires taking the time to talk to God every day. I do not mean with a list of wants either. Talk to Him. Praise Him. Include Him in your daily life.

Read and Memorize the Word. To really know God and have a relationship with him requires reading and studying His Word. Everything we need to know about Him, life, spiritual growth and how to life here are in His Word. Read it. Study it. memorize it. Make it a priority.

Obey. The Holy Spirit will not yell at us. It is a still small voice. This world is very loud. It is a LOT easier to “hear” the world, flesh and sin. However, we all CAN hear the conviction of the Holy Spirit. We are His sheep and we hear His voice. When you get convicted, obey. Repent. Turn from it. If you continue in your sin, it will be harder to turn later. Plus, eventually, the Lord will stop telling us…He will just let us do what we want.

So let’s not get tired of doing what is good. At just the right time we will reap a harvest of blessing if we don’t give up. Therefore, whenever we have the opportunity, we should do good to everyone—especially to those in the family of faith. – Galatians 6:9-10

Let’s Pray;

Daddy God, thank You for Your Word and the life and wisdom that it gives. Lord, I ask that You reveal to me where I am in my Christian Walk. Help me to be all that You planned for me to be. Help me to Walk and live in the spirit. Help me to grow up and become a spiritually mature adult Christian lacking in nothing. I want a life that makes a difference and shines for You. Show me. Help me. Teach me. I love You, Daddy! In Jesus MIGHTY Name , Amen!

Your Homework

Memorize: Yet when we are among the full-grown (spiritually mature Christians who are ripe in understanding), we do impart a higher wisdom; but it is indeed not a wisdom of this present age or of this world nor of the leaders and rulers of this age, who are being brought to nothing and are doomed to pass away. – 1 Corinthians 2:6

Dig Deeper:

Study the Word Daily!

Start here….

• Galatians 5
• Galatians 6:1; 9-10
• 1 Corinthians 2:6-3:3
• Romans 8:9
• Ephesians 2:1
• 2 Chronicles 7:14
• Isaiah 40:31

You might also be interested in studying our Flesh v/s Spirit series.

Copyright © Lara Velez, Moms of Faith, All Rights Reserved