Spiritual maturity is a journey every Christian takes. Our maturity is not measured in numbers like our age. Nor is it about achievements or good deeds. Maturity is not necessarily about the ‘eye test’ or appearance to others. Maturity is about our hearts and the journey we take with the Lord. Here are ten marks of a mature Christian.
- Consistency. The highs and lows of life don’t impact our relationship with God. We must remain committed to the Lord when we are blessed and also when we have hard times.
2. Contemplating. Disciples find value in everyday life. Maturing Christians recognize that we will not always have the ‘mountain top’ experience. There is value in building each day on top of one another instead of running to the next best thing.
3. Comforted. There are things in this life that are beyond our control. While we cannot control events on the other side of the globe, or even in our neighbor’s house, we can be at peace with the things we can control. Maturing Christians recognize the power of prayer and the power of faith in God.
4. Concentrated. Disciplined, maturing Christians don’t neglect Bible study, prayer, and worship. People who struggle with intimacy with God are the ones who are consistently placing everything ahead of God. Mature Christians find time and create space to live a spiritually disciplined life.
5. Child-like. Adults have a tendency to lose our child-like wonder and awe at the world and its surroundings. Children see the beauty and joy of life. They see life as a gift. Becoming a child doesn’t mean you are immature—it means you refuse to accept the joyless, bored life that often comes with adulthood.
6. Comparison. Our culture looks at social media and television to compare our lives to others. Spiritually mature Christians understand reaching their full potential does not come from looking horizontally at the world, but looking vertically towards God.
7. Contemporary. Christians will listening to people with different views. Spiritually mature Christians can glean insight from other people, even if they are different. Some immature Christians believe they must fix everyone. We should be convicted of our beliefs but also loving enough to reach out to others who are different. Listening to another view point does not equate to condoning or accepting it.
8. Concerned. Jesus loved the poor and outcast. Mature Christians must have a heart that breaks for those in the world who do not have a voice. They understand God is concerned with those who are hurting and that every single person is created in the image of God.
9. Complete. Christians realize their faith does not have and “on/off” switch. They don’t compartmentalize their faith because they realize that they fully belong to Jesus. They are always looking for opportunities to share the gospel, to love others, and to comfort.
10. Compassion. Mature Christians recognize that they are saved through obedience in God’s grace. They understand they don’t deserve salvation, it’s God’s gift to them. As they see the great mercy of God, they likewise extend that mercy to others.