Part 1: What Is Spiritual Maturity?

The term spiritual maturity is often used to describe where someone is on their journey from salvation—when their spirit comes alive—to the moment the Lord calls them home. While physical maturity is visibly evident and intellectual maturity requires time and discussion to assess, how can we determine someone’s spiritual maturity? Just as recognizing physical and intellectual maturity is essential, so too is understanding an individual’s spiritual maturity. Whether you’re recruiting a church leader, seeking a marriage counselor, or deciding how much privilege to grant your teenage children, assessing their level of spiritual maturity is invaluable.

Spiritual maturity encompasses several crucial elements, including an increasing understanding of God’s Word and having enough life experience to soften one’s heart while strengthening one’s resolve to do what is right. However, another vital aspect is the ability to flow in the Spirit as Paul teaches us to do in Galatians 5:16, 18, 25 as well as the discipline to do so consistently. This is a skill that requires intentional training.

Ezekiel’s Vision is God’s Calling
In Ezekiel 47, an angel shows the prophet a river flowing from the temple, which is symbolic of the Holy Spirit. Initially, the water is only ankle-deep. At this depth, no matter how fast the river flows, we remain in control because our feet are firmly planted. Similarly, when we begin our Christian journey, we are in the Spirit but we are still in control.

As the angel takes Ezekiel further, the water reaches his knees. Here, we experience more of the Spirit but still maintain control, able to choose where we go and when. The angel continues taking Ezekiel further until the water is to his waist. In this deeper water, with even a mild current, remaining in control is more difficult. This is the point in our spiritual journey where we are committing to God’s ways but are still able to retreat to safety if we get nervous.

Finally, the angel leads Ezekiel to a place in the river where the water is so deep that he must swim. At this point, there is no longer any control over where the Spirit carries him or how fast or slow. We too have now arrived at the place where we are surrendered to the Holy Spirit and we allow Him to lead us where and how He desires. While this sounds exciting, it can also feel unnerving to abandon all control.

Conclusion
Spiritual maturity involves surrendering control and trusting God’s Spirit to lead us. Just as Ezekiel’s journey through the river deepened his experience, our walk with God invites us to move from shallow waters of faith into the depths of His presence. This journey of growth may feel challenging, but it brings us closer to God’s purpose for our lives, which is to fully express him and always represent him.

Are you excited by the possibilities of what God could do with your business if you ventured deeper into the Spirit? Building your business your way produces what you can create. Building it God’s way produces what only He can create. Interesting choice.

We invite you to a free 30-minute presentation on how we train Christian business owners to grow spiritually and build their companies in the Spirit. The short-term impact is significant, and the long-term impact is transformational.

To learn more about our spirit and business training, contact us today!