Dwight Fletcher | The only way to spiritual maturity

CHINESE PHILOSOPHER Lao Tzu once said, “The journey of a thousand miles begins with a single step”. Well, the journey to spiritual maturity includes many steps, but there is only one way. The way is Jesus Christ, and along the way we are transformed more and more into His likeness and character. The goal is to become like Him, and the journey must include perseverance through trial.

Just as testing and true faith works to produce perseverance, so perseverance must be allowed to continue its work to produce the ultimate by-products of maturity and completeness (James 1:3-4). The Greek word for “mature” denotes “goal” or “rightful purpose”. When it is used in James to speak of character, it implies that God is a part of whatever process is involved in the formation of character.

God has a goal and a purpose at each stage of our maturity journey. This is not just random maturing. No, He is working out specific things at specific times because of your specific call and journey to your destiny. He is developing something in you for the plan He has for tomorrow, next year, the next 10 years, and eternity.

So let me say it again: spiritual maturity comes from perseverance. Read it again until it strengthens your heart. This is not the time to jump ship! No retreat. No surrender. You are being called to persevere so that you can become more like Jesus; become spiritually complete.

Then the Greek word for “complete” means “whole, having all its parts, sound, perfect”.

It struck me that this preparation is not only about what we call the ‘spiritual things’. God is shaping you into a well-rounded person. In addition to maturing you, He is also giving you some skills that you need for the next level of your life. In order to be king, David needed fighting skills so he could go to war like the kings do. So, God allowed trials in the form of lions and bears that came after his flock (1 Samuel 17:34-37). In order to save nations from famine, Joseph needed to improve his management skills. When his brothers sold him into slavery, God allowed him to be bought by Potiphar who eventually gave Joseph complete administrative responsibility over everything he owned (Genesis 39:6).

There is no way around it. God puts His people into positions that stretch them. He allows certain trials to mature them. He brings about seemingly impossible situations to grow our faith. The end result? Spiritually mature believers who are complete, not lacking anything they need for what God had in store for them.

Believe me, if you are a follower of Jesus then there is a destiny that He is carrying you towards, and your trials are part of the plan. Stand up under it and take your training. God is working things out.

Take a moment to consider the specific trials or challenges you currently face in your professional or personal life. How might God be using them to build your character or prepare you for a future purpose? What area of your life is God calling you to persevere in so that you may become more like Christ? Have you been tempted to “jump ship” spiritually, emotionally, or professionally? What would it look like for you to choose perseverance and trust instead? This is your moment. Pray and ask God to show you how to stay grounded in Him, and what practical steps of faithfulness you can take this week to stand the test of trials.