Growing Up Spiritually: Moving from Chaos to Clarity
In life, maturity is expected—physically, emotionally, and mentally. But spiritual maturity? That’s often overlooked, yet it plays a crucial role in how we experience life, relationships, and faith. Maturity in faith doesn’t happen automatically, but it does happen intentionally. Click the video link above for the full message.
Signs of Spiritual Immaturity
There’s a clear difference between being young in faith and staying spiritually immature. Paul, in 1 Corinthians 3:1-4, calls out the church in Corinth for their lack of growth, saying, “I gave you milk, not solid food, for you were not yet ready for it. Indeed, you are still not ready. You are still worldly.”
Some markers of spiritual immaturity include:
Division and quarreling
Jealousy
Living by the world’s standards instead of by the Spirit
A reluctance to grow and take on spiritual responsibility
When division exists in a church community, it’s often a sign of immaturity. Paul saw this in Corinth, where people were arguing over which leader they should follow—Paul, Apollos, or Peter. But these leaders weren’t divided. It was the people arguing about them who were missing the point.
From Milk to Solid Food: How Growth Happens
Just like infants need milk before they can handle solid food, new believers need foundational truths before diving deeper into theological complexities. But at some point, growth requires consuming more than just the basics.
Spiritual milk includes simple, essential truths:
God is good.
God loves you.
Jesus died for you.
You are chosen by Him.
Spiritual solid food, on the other hand, requires deeper engagement:
Studying scripture in context, rather than reading just a verse at a time.
Spending extended time in prayer, rather than quick one-sentence prayers.
Discipleship—both being discipled and discipling others.
Maturity comes when we move beyond just consuming spiritual content (listening to sermons, reading devotionals) to actively engaging in our faith (practicing what we learn, teaching others, and serving in our community).
Spiritual Growth Requires Intentionality
Growth in faith doesn’t just happen naturally—it requires intentional effort. Here’s how to actively move forward:
Find a Place to Belong - Before belief takes deep root, people need to feel like they belong. Whether it’s in a church, a small group, or a mentorship relationship, surrounding yourself with mature believers fosters growth.
Believe and Build Your Foundation - Faith grows when it is actively pursued. Reading scripture, seeking God in prayer, and being part of a faith community all strengthen belief.
Serve and Contribute - Spiritual maturity involves moving from being a consumer to a contributor. Serving in a church or community not only benefits others but also accelerates personal growth.
Lead and Disciple Others - Maturity in faith isn’t just about personal growth—it’s about helping others grow as well. Teaching, mentoring, and guiding others in their faith journey is a significant mark of spiritual maturity.
The Role of Unity in Spiritual Growth
Paul reminds believers that they are co-laborers in God’s work. “I planted the seed, Apollos watered it, but God has been making it grow” (1 Corinthians 3:6). Growth is a collaborative effort:
God brings the increase.
Each believer has a role—some plant, some water, but all must participate.
Spiritual growth is deeply tied to relationships and unity within the body of Christ.
When we work together instead of against each other, the church flourishes. Spiritual maturity means recognizing that we are all on the same team—Team Jesus. Instead of comparing leaders, gifts, or callings, mature believers work in unity for God’s kingdom.
How to Step Forward in Your Spiritual Growth
Assess where you are. Are you still drinking spiritual milk, or are you ready for solid food?
Commit to intentional growth. Whether through deeper Bible study, more consistent prayer, or finding a mentor, take active steps.
Join a group. Community is essential for growth. Find a group where you can learn, be challenged, and be encouraged.
Serve others. The fastest way to grow is to step into service. Whether in your church or community, look for ways to contribute.
Disciple someone else. If you’ve been growing for a while, who can you help along their journey?
Further Reading
For those looking to dive deeper into spiritual growth and maturity, here are two excellent resources:
Emotionally Healthy Spirituality by Peter Scazzero – A book exploring how emotional health and spiritual maturity are deeply connected. Amazon Link
Discipleship Essentials by Greg Ogden – A guide for those looking to grow and disciple others in their faith. Amazon Link
Other Links
Want to hear more? Check out The Hills Community Church's YouTube page (Link) for past messages on similar topics.
Looking for more ways to grow? Visit our website for groups, studies, and service opportunities (www.thehillscommunity.church).