Can spiritual maturity be obtained in this life? Absolutely, Yes! While a believer will never be sinless in this life, they should grow to a place of maturity where they can take responsibility for their own spiritual heath and well being. When we are born and our bodies start a process toward physical maturity. We develop through stages as a child before our bodies reach adolescence at which time there is a major growth spurt. At the conclusion of adolescence you have a body that is mature whose functions are now complete. Similarly spiritual maturity happens in stages, some slow and some rapid, but in the end you have a person who is spiritually mature. By spiritual mature I don’t mean sinless. I do believe there is more perfecting to be done after a person arrives at maturity and that sanctification (becoming like Christ) is completed at death; however as a church we must help and expect other believers to grow toward maturity. Here are some examples from the scripture, from at least four different New Testament authors, where spiritual maturity is expected.
- Luke 8:14 The seed that fell among thorns stands for those who hear, but as they go on their way they are choked by life’s worries, riches and pleasures, and they do not mature. (Jesus)
- 1 Cor 2:6 We do, however, speak a message of wisdom among the mature, but not the wisdom of this age or of the rulers of this age, who are coming to nothing. (Paul)
- Eph 4:13 until we all reach unity in the faith and in the knowledge of the Son of God and become mature, attaining to the whole measure of the fullness of Christ. (Paul)
- Php 3:15 All of us who are mature should take such a view of things. And if on some point you think differently, that too God will make clear to you. (Paul)
- Col 4:12 Epaphras, who is one of you and a servant of Christ Jesus, sends greetings. He is always wrestling in prayer for you, that you may stand firm in all the will of God, mature and fully assured. (Paul)
- Heb 5:14 But solid food is for the mature, who by constant use have trained themselves to distinguish good from evil. (Author Unknown)
- Jas 1:4 Perseverance must finish its work so that you may be mature and complete, not lacking anything. (James)
While sanctification is a lifelong process, spiritual maturity is a point in time where believers put off childish & worldly ways. The Apostle Paul summed it up this way to Church in Corinth, “Brothers, I could not address you as spiritual but as 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? ” 1 Cor 3:1-3 (NIV) We should challenge each other and lead our children toward spiritual maturity. After all “we must all appear before the judgment seat of Christ, that each one may receive what is due him for the things done while in the body, whether good or bad.” 2 Cor 5:9-10 (NIV) Perfection No, Maturity Yes!
