Growing Up To Maturity 2

Ephesians 4verse14-15 That we henceforth be no more children, tossed to and fro, and carried about with every wind of doctrine, by the sleight of men, and cunning craftiness, whereby they lie in wait to deceive; but speaking the truth in love, may grow up into him in all things, which is the head, even Christ

Maturity is one of the keys to promotion and honour in our lives; this is why we need to take the issue of Spiritual Maturity seriously. A child or an adult is recognized by the way they behave and act. In the same vein, you can also discern spiritual Maturity. Generally speaking, there are three kinds of believers and they are as follows:

-Baby Believers. 1cor3v1

-Growing Believers 1Pet2v2

-Maturing Believers. 1cor13v11

Which category do you think you belong to? My focus for the next couple of lessons will be on the signs of a Baby Believer or Christian. There are certain things that are used to measure or assess someones spirituality or maturity. So what are the signs of a Baby Christian?

SIGNS OF A BABY BELIEVER:

1. They cannot receive the solid food or meat of God’s Word. This is how you identify a baby Christian. They are still feeding on the milk of God’s Word; hence, they can’t handle the deeper dimensions of the Word. Do you know that what you can receive or carry is an indication of your maturity? To what extent can you discern your left hand from your right hand, spiritually speaking? The answers you give to these questions will tell you where you really belong when it comes to your maturity. So my brothers and sisters, it’s time to grow up. Heb5v12-14

2. They are still struggling with the works of the flesh. Anyone who is still struggling with either of the following is still a baby Christian:

-Unforgiveness, malice, grudges, resentful feelings, jealousy or envy, bitterness e t.c.
These are just some operations of the works of the flesh. Anyone that is still being controlled by such is far from being a mature Christian yet, and your conduct is an indication of your maturity. This is why you need to grow up unto Him in all things. Gal5v19-21

3. They cannot stand on their own. This simply means that they are dependent on others or things. They can’t take responsibility or motivate themselves. Anyone who can’t pray, fast, cast out demons e t c. on their own is still a baby Christian. The challenging thing about this is that if you can’t help yourself, then how can you help others? Your ability to get things done is an indication of your maturity. So my dear reader, it’s time to grow up.

4. They are Unstable. i.e. they are easily tossed to and fro. One sure thing about a child in the natural is that they are unstable and easily distracted, they are also full of activities but you know that activity is not the same as Accomplishments. A baby Christian is up today and down tomorrow. They are easily controlled by their environment and moods or feelings. This is why stability and steadfastness is an indication of maturity! So it’s time to grow up unto Christ. Gen49v4

How would you rate yourself with regards to these qualities? No doubt these attributes throw a challenge unto every one of Us. May your life never remain the same again in Jesus name, amen.

Other Scriptural references: Col2v6-7: Jam3v16: Pro20v11: Matt13v11; 19v11: 1Pet2v2: Jn6v50: 2cor4v18; 5v7

Prayer for Today: Lord, I rebel against everything that wants to keep me as a baby Christian in Jesus name, amen.

CONFESSION: I say no to every plan of the enemy in hindering my growth spiritually. I receive grace and strength to grow up in my walk with God. I will not be impaired or retarded in my growth, spiritually speaking. Today marks the beginning of a new season of growth in my life.