1 Peter 2:1-3 says, “Therefore, rid yourselves of all malice and all deceit, hypocrisy, envy, and slander of every kind. Like newborn babies, crave pure spiritual milk, so that by it you may grow up in your salvation, now that you have tasted that the Lord is good.” As Scripture commands, we are supposed to do the hard work of maturing in Christ. So, how do we grow from spiritual milk to spiritual meat? Here are ten ways you can grow into a mature Christian:
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1. Find a mentor.
2 Timothy 1:5 says,“I am reminded of your sincere faith, which first lived in your grandmother Lois and in your mother Eunice and, I am persuaded, now lives in you also.” Timothy would not have been equipped for the leadership opportunity he was given in the future if it were not for his mother’s and grandmother’s dedication to investing in his life. Find someone who is more mature who is willing to invest in your future and help disciple you. Study the Bible and pray together. That investment is like a seed that when watered will grow into a beautiful, life-giving plant.
2. Be a mentor.
There is no better witness to the testimony of God’s activity in your life than returning the investment that someone gave you and investing it in someone else. Plants don’t grow in isolation, neither do people. Find someone who needs a mentor and be that for someone else. It gives you purpose and helps grow your church as well.
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3. Use your spiritual gifts.
One of the best ways to mature is discovering and utilizing your spiritual gifts so the church can grow as a whole. 1 Corinthians 12 and Romans 12 are just two bible references to the gifts God gives us at conversion. Find out what they are and find out where you fit in your church body.
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4. Test everything.
The Bible commands we are to test all prophecies. That goes for any teaching you are hearing. Reading the Word is not enough. Study the passage of Scripture before Sunday. Discover what it says for yourself. Test it against what you hear. Is it accurate or does it go against biblical principles?
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5. Practice spiritual disciplines.
Reading the Word and praying are essential to a Christian’s walk with God. But those two on their own are not enough. Deepening your faith comes from hearing from God through silence and solitude, increasing self-control through fasting and deepening your faith through studying the Word.
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6. Be slow to anger.
We live in an angry world. From spreading false news articles about others to rattling off the first impulsive idea that comes into our heads, Christians spread just as much hate as non-Christians. The Bible says be slow to anger, and in your anger, do not sin. It is ok to be discouraged about what it going on in our world, it is not ok to sin while feeling that way. Be slow to anger.
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7. Exhibit the fruit of the Spirit.
If I’m honest, one of the most difficult passages in the bible is Ephesians that speaks about exhibiting the fruit of the Spirit. It is one thing to say I am a Christian, but be patient while waiting in line at Wal-Mart? Being kind to a bully who doesn’t deserve it? Biting my tongue instead of giving my friend what is coming to them? The fruit of the Spirit is the benchmark by which Christians will be able to discern if someone is truly living a godly life. It’s how Christians will be identified as Christians, by the kindness, gentleness, faith and love they display to the world around them. Is someone who identifies as a Christian yet lacks kindness, gentleness and patience with others really a Christian?
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8. Handle conflict biblically.
As a pastor’s wife for over seventeen years, there have been many times when my husband and I have had to sit down with someone and resolve a conflict with them. Not many of those people were able to own their part in the conflict, apologize sincerely and repent from their poor choices. Most left the church; others resorted to childish name-calling and character assassinations. However, on person prayerfully took what was said and analyzed if there was truth in what was said. They returned saying they would step out of ministry for a little while until the issue was resolved. In this instance, my respect level for the person increased exponentially. Handling conflict in a way that honors both you and the offended shows your approval and worth come from God and not from others.
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9. Have an attitude of gratitude.
Jesus, the night before he was to be crucified, chose to spend time with his disciples. Instead of stewing about the trial he was about to face, he looked up to heaven and gave thanks for God’s provision. He focused on what he had rather than what he didn’t have. Even in the most difficult situation, find some good in it. When you look at God less as a genie in the bottle and more as the great provider, you become more like Jesus.
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10. Handle change with grace.
Most Christians’ spiritual life is good when things are going well, but what about when life isn’t going well? When a church takes a new direction, a pastor suddenly leaves or a ministry is cancelled, people’s true colors come out. Change is not easy, but it is your reaction to it that determines where your maturity level is. Do you feel like pumping your fist in the air when things don’t go your way, or when things seem out of your control? Or do you trust that the leaders in charge are doing what is best for the church as a whole?
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Michelle S. Lazurek is an award-winning author, speaker, pastor's wife and mother. Winner of the Golden Scroll Children's Book of the Year and the Enduring Light Silver Medal, she is a member of the Christian Author's Network and the Advanced Writers and Speakers Association. Her first book with Leafwood Publishers, An Invitation to the Table, came out September 2016. She also teaches at various writers' workshops, such as the Montrose Christian Writers conference. She and her husband live in Coudersport, Pennsylvania, with their two children, Caleb and Leah. For more information, please visit her website at michellelazurek.com.
Originally published Wednesday, 18 October 2017.
