Growing Up Spiritually
No one likes to hear these words: “I wish you would just grow up!” It shows a certain disgust or disdain with an attitude or action being portrayed. The fact is we are all in a process of “growing up”. Physically we reach our peak at about 25 years of age. From then on we are in the process of maintenance until we begin the dying decline. Spiritually speaking, we have a beginning, which is called the “new birth”. We begin as “babes” in Christ, grow as children, developing into the experience of youth, so that we can arrive at maturity or adulthood.
One does not just jump into adulthood, but rather grows into maturity. Maturity is measured by one’s capacity to be responsible. As a child, one learns through obedience and discipline. Paul refers to this stage as that of a soldier. A new recruit first learns to obey and then is told why. The commands are direct; “march, stop, sit, dig the ditch.” The basic disciplines of reading the Bible, praying, fellowshipping, etc., are not optional for growth. In the child phase of growth, one’s character is being formed, values are being learned and godly habits established. Obedience is to produce submission and discipline is to produce self-discipline.
In the natural, if we remain as a child, something is seriously wrong. God desires that we attain the full stature of Christ, which means growing up. Having raised five children of our own, my wife and I found that youth are motivated by rewards. They don’t respond so well to orders, as do children, but rather to incentives. For example, “If you wash the car, then you can go out this weekend.” Paul explains this growth stage as that of an athlete. He trains for the prize. He learns to deny himself for a greater goal.
This is an excited period of our maturing in Christ, but is not all there is. Adulthood is where we are to go. It is as adults that one lives for the benefit of others. An adult is motivated by vision, service and purpose. This stage is referred to as that of a farmer. This is the productive time, when one’s fulfillment is in seeing his life influencing and touching others. Adults have children; youth should not. The youth are still “me” oriented, so if they would have children, usually it is the parents/grandparents or other adults who raise them. God desires that we grow up spiritually so that we can win the lost, care for the hurting and disciple the nations.
Scriptures to meditate on: I John 2.12-13; II Timothy 2.1-6