What a good topic for a Sunday! What does it mean to be spiritually mature when we are in lockdown and are longing to have normal events like church services? I miss the time to get together with friends and mentors as we discuss spiritual matters and learn from the pastor’s sermon. While it’s true there are online services, it’s not the same, and there are many churches and congregants that don’t have the technology or the resources.
What Does Spiritual Maturity Mean Today?
When I posted this cartoon and post thirteen years ago, I was working for a Christian publisher. Yet looking back, I don’t know if my definition of spiritual maturity then would mesh with my understanding today. I hope and pray I have matured since then. My wife certainly has, as I alluded to in that previous post. I continue to learn a lot from her. But I know I have a long way to go.
Everyone is being tested through this crisis, even the spiritually mature. However, spiritual maturity can give us resilience during this crisis. What does it look like? Keep in mind I am looking at this from a Christian perspective since that is my background.
Spiritual Maturity is…
- Putting your faith in God because you know you are not in control
- Looking for ways to be generous and help others, because you know it’s not about you.
- Realizing owning things will never fully satisfy
- Forgiving others
- Displaying the Fruit of the Spirit of love, joy, peace, patience, kindness, goodness, gentleness and self-control
(Galatians 5:22-23) - Acknowledging that you have never fully arrived
We have a great opportunity to strengthen our spiritual, emotional, and mental maturity through this crisis. Like you, I have my bad days. We all struggle. It helps me to remember we are all experiencing trials and troubles and that we can grow from them. Have a blessed Sunday!
