I’ve known what I’d consider a few spiritual giants in my life. These are spiritually mature people who I’ve looked to for encouragement & as an example of faith and discipline and spiritual growth. In thinking about what leads to spiritual growth, I got to thinking about their stories and their paths and what I’ve heard these people say about their own growth. What were the catalyst for them? Here’s a few that I remember:

“I surrendered my life to Christ when I was __ years old.”

Spiritually mature people can point to a time when they began their journey with God and they see that event as a catalyst for almost everything in their lives.

“I was reading the Bible the other day and…” or “It’s like the Bible says…”

Spiritually mature people have devotional habits like Bible reading that give them a foundation for decision making and life.

“I met ____ and they helped me understand God’s will more clearly.”

Spiritually mature people often point to catalytic relationships that spurred them on in their spiritual growth & pursuit of Christ. A pastor, a small group leader, a godly friend or family member.

“I was on a mission trip in ____ and…” or “I got involved in the ____ ministry of my church and…”

Spiritually mature people are always on mission. You’ll find them on mission trips, leading ministries, opening their homes, cooking, serving, sharing, giving.

“Life took a turn for the worse, but God & my church family gave me strength.” 

Spiritually mature people often experienced hardships and tragedy, but they can point to the good and to God’s providential hand at work in the situation. And they can often testify that the hardship was a catalyst for growth and for deeper dependence upon God and others.

“Can I help you with anything?” or “Can I pray for you about anything?” or “How are you doing?”

Spiritually mature people are focused on others. Visit with them and you’ll leave with more than you came with – spiritually and maybe physically. Always giving, always pointing to others.

So, are you and I on the path to spiritual maturity?

• Can you point to a time when you began a relationship with God?
• Do you practice daily devotional habits that shape the way you live?
• Do you have catalytic relationships that challenge you? Or are you in the right place for these to happen?
• Are you on mission? Are you serving others through your church or some other way?
• Have you allowed the circumstances and hardships of your life to aid your dependence on God and spiritual growth?
• Are focused on others or yourself?