Growing In Spiritual Maturity
Growing in Spiritual Maturity-Moving Toward The Mark of The High Calling
Scripture:
“When I was a child, I spake as a child, I understood as a child, I thought as a child: but when I became a man, I put away childish things.” — 1 Corinthians 13:11 (KJV)
Spiritual growth often mirrors natural growth. As children, we think and act according to what we know at the time—limited understanding, quick emotions, and self-centered reasoning. But as we mature, both in life and in our walk with God, we are called to “put away childish things.”
This verse is not simply about age; it’s about spiritual awareness and transformation. When we begin to see ourselves through the lens of Christ, we realize that maturity isn’t about perfection—it’s about progress. It’s the willingness to acknowledge that our old ways of thinking, reacting, and speaking no longer fit who we are becoming in Him.
Spiritual maturity is characterized by developing a more Christ-like character, exhibiting the fruits of the Spirit like love, joy, and patience, and applying spiritual truths to daily life with wisdom, humility, and generosity. This growth is an ongoing, daily journey that involves honesty, self-control, and a desire to help others grow as well.
“Wherefore laying aside all malice, and all guile, and hypocrisies, and envies, and all evil speakings,” 1 Peter 2:1 (KJV)
Childishness can show up in many ways:
- speaking without love or restraint.
- understanding only from our own perspective.
- thinking selfishly or holding grudges.
- judging someone’s behavior as not wholesome.
- being too sensitive and controlling.
But spiritual maturity means choosing:
- humility over pride,
- forgiveness over bitterness, and
- patience over impulsiveness
- love over envy
- peace over confusion
It’s the awareness that growth requires surrender—letting go of attitudes, habits, and fears that once defined us.
As believers, God invites us into continual transformation. The Holy Spirit works within us to refine our character, reshape our thoughts, and redirect our speech. We learn to listen before we speak, to discern before we react, and to seek His will before making our own plans.
True Christian Self-awareness
It is not about self-criticism but about spiritual recognition—seeing where we are, who we are in Christ, and what God is calling us to become. As Paul reminds us in this passage, maturity is not automatic; it’s intentional. It begins with recognizing that childlike faith is beautiful, but childish behavior must be left behind.
When we grow in grace, we begin to walk differently, love deeper, and see life through the heart of Christ. That is what it means to “put away childish things”—not to lose innocence or wonder, but to embrace wisdom, love, and responsibility as children of God.
When we die and stand before the judgement, we must be free of our childish ways. Meaning, that we must be free from all the forms that cannot be matched to righteousness by the Word of God.
Putting all of the forethings behind us and moving toward the mark of the high calling.
Brethren, I count not myself to have apprehended: but this one thing I do, forgetting those things which are behind, and reaching forth unto those things which are before, 14I press toward the mark for the prize of the high calling of God in Christ Jesus. 15Let us therefore, as many as be perfect, be thus minded: and if in any thing ye be otherwise minded, God shall reveal even this unto you. 16Nevertheless, whereto we have already attained, let us walk by the same rule, let us mind the same thing. 17Brethren, be followers together of me, and mark them which walk so as ye have us for an ensample.
Ephaisians 3: 13-17 (KJV)
Reflection Thought:
Ask yourself today: What “childish things” might God be asking me to put away?
Prayer:
Heavenly Father, thank You for calling me to grow in faith and wisdom. Help me to recognize areas of immaturity in my heart and to lay them at Your feet. Teach me to speak with love, to think with understanding, and to live with the maturity that reflects Christ in me.Amen.
