The Goal of Spiritual Maturity is Christlikeness
The Steps to Spiritual Maturity are not stages that you pass through. They are not seasons that come and go. And they are not milestones that are attained and are never revisited. The Steps to Spiritual Maturity are to be well-trodden, mastered skillfully, and they are to bridge the gulf between my sinfulness and Christlikeness.
Table of contents
- The Goal of Spiritual Maturity is Christlikeness
Each step may be traversed either quickly or slowly, painfully or with ease, with joy or sorrow, instinctively or carefully. At each landing, we may experience anticipation or despair, drudgery or determination, delight or dread depending on our fitness. So how are you moving on your steps to spiritual maturity?
For over 35 years, we have lived in a tri-level home – that means we have two sets of steps that we constantly go up and down. The kitchen and the living room are on the main floor. The master bedroom, my “Happy Place,” Kirk’s study, and a bathroom are on the top floor. And the laundry, another bathroom, and creative spaces are on the lower level. All steps are frequently traveled! Now, because I am 5’2” and Kirk is 6’3”, we have one step that gets a bit more used than other steps. This step is endearingly known as our “Kissing Step!” I tend to spend more time on that step than most other steps. And as we age, we tend to linger on several other steps while we try to remember why we started up the steps in the first place!
I should look like Christ and act like Christ.
As we climb the heights and gain skill and strength with each upward and downward cycle, the goal is Christlikeness – to look and act like Christ in every thought and action while loving Him with my whole heart, mind, soul, and body, as well as loving my neighbor as myself. Does that sound like an impossible goal? Of course, it is! That’s why I need to grow in my connection to Christ to be divinely empowered to accomplish everything He has for me to do.
It begins with connecting to God’s Word. This is the step where I linger the longest as I grow in my intimacy with Christ!
You may be interested to know that these Steps to Spiritual Maturity are all based on the “Blessed Man” passages outlined in Desperate Dependency. Remember, God designed us to be in an intimate relationship with Him, with happiness resulting from our union with Him. Therefore, all our endeavors should foster our connection to Him as we conform to His image.
1. Connect to God’s Word
Who or what is your standard for life and living? As Creator of all that is and ever was, God knows how His creation is designed to operate for His greatest glory and my greatest good. For this reason, the wisest choice is to follow His instructions found in His Word.
Key Verses for the First Step to Spiritual Maturity
How happy are those whose way is blameless,
Psalm 119:1–2 CSB
who walk according to the Lord’s instruction!
Happy are those who keep his decrees
and seek him with all their heart.
These first two verses of Psalm 119 set the stage for seeing the many benefits of connecting to God’s Word found in Psalm 119. If you need over 100 reminders of why you should connect to God’s Word, start with Psalm 119!
How happy is the one who does not
Psalm 1:1–2 CSB
walk in the advice of the wicked
or stand in the pathway with sinners
or sit in the company of mockers!
Instead, his delight is in the Lord’s instruction,
and he meditates on it day and night.
“And now, sons, listen to me;
Proverbs 8:32–36 CSB
those who keep my ways are happy.
Listen to instruction and be wise;
don’t ignore it.
Anyone who listens to me is happy,
watching at my doors every day,
waiting by the posts of my doorway.
For the one who finds me finds life
and obtains favor from the Lord,
but the one who misses me harms himself;
all who hate me love death.”
You will be blessed, happy, and joyful by connecting to God.
Then turning to his disciples he said privately, “Blessed are the eyes that see the things you see!”
Luke 10:23 CSB
As he was saying these things, a woman from the crowd raised her voice and said to him, “Blessed is the womb that bore you and the one who nursed you!”
He said, “Rather, blessed are those who hear the word of God and keep it.”
Luke 11:27–28 CSB
“If you know these things, you are blessed if you do them.”
John 13:17 CSB
Therefore, let us approach the throne of grace with boldness, so that we may receive mercy and find grace to help us in time of need.
Hebrews 4:16 CSB
Blessed is the one who reads aloud the words of this prophecy, and blessed are those who hear the words of this prophecy and keep what is written in it, because the time is near.
Revelation 1:3 CSB
“Look, I am coming soon! Blessed is the one who keeps the words of the prophecy of this book.”
Revelation 22:7 CSB
How do I connect to God’s Word?
“How about a 1, 2, 3 process, Melanie?”
- Pick up your Bible.
- Open your Bible.
- Read your Bible.
Would you like it to be a bit easier? Choose a Bible translation that is on an easier reading level. My favorite, most effortless to read Bible is the ICB (International Children’s Bible). Similarly, the NIrV is on the same level and easy to read. If you have always been reading the same Bible translation, I highly recommend choosing a different translation to gain additional perspectives.
Are you surprised I’m recommending a children’s Bible? Jesus thinks we have a lot to learn from humbling ourselves to a child’s level.
At that time the disciples came to Jesus and asked, “So who is greatest in the kingdom of heaven?” He called a small child and had him stand among them. “Truly I tell you,” he said, “unless you turn and become like little children, you will never enter the kingdom of heaven. Therefore, whoever humbles himself like this child—this one is the greatest in the kingdom of heaven. And whoever welcomes one child like this in my name welcomes me.
Matthew 18:1–5 CSB
Are you afraid of what people will think if you read a children’s Bible? It might be time to tackle the next step: Fear the Lord.
2. Fear the Lord
Key Verses for the Second Step to Spiritual Maturity
How happy is everyone who fears the Lord,
Psalm 128:1–2 CSB
who walks in his ways!
You will surely eat
what your hands have worked for.
You will be happy,
and it will go well for you.
Wait! What? Are you telling me that I can be happy fearing the Lord? How is that possible?
The concept of the fear of the Lord is a difficult one to grasp. But I have gained a more accurate perspective of it by considering electricity. Our family has a significant connection to electricity because my dad was an electrical engineer. According to the Occupational Outlook Handbook from the Bureau of Labor Statistics, “electrical engineers design, develop, test, and supervise the manufacture of electrical equipment, such as electric motors, radar and navigation systems, communications systems, or power generation equipment. Electrical engineers also design the electrical systems of automobiles and aircraft.” My dad specifically worked with radar systems for aircraft. He still tinkers with electrical systems frequently.
My Uncle Dwight (my dad’s brother) was also an engineer who worked for NASA. He was a very intelligent man, but he died at the age of 44 because he was electrocuted when his ladder came in contact with power lines. Of course, this incident caused the generations to fear electricity. But my dad taught us a healthy respect for electricity.
We should never get over our fear of the Lord.
Parents of young children are always extra vigilant to watch for metal objects too close to electrical outlets and little ones near hot stoves. So we try to instill a healthy fear of electricity in children. But we don’t want them to be afraid of turning on a light switch because we love electricity even though we are fearful of it!
When I Googled “How do I get over my fear of electricity,” I learned that electrophobia is the irrational fear of electricity. But commentators on Reddit added: “Don’t get over your fear of electricity.” “Never lose your fear of electricity; it is dangerous. Become confident in your knowledge. You will make mistakes but learn from [them].”
Similarly, we should never get over our fear of the Lord.
It is a fearful thing to fall into the hands of the living God.
Hebrews 10:31 ESV
“But I will show you the one to fear: Fear him who has authority to throw people into hell after death. Yes, I say to you, this is the one to fear!“
Luke 12:5 CSB
I don’t have to fear punishment from God.
But when I confess my sins and enter a relevant relationship with Jesus Christ, I no longer need to fear the punishment of God. Jesus Christ willingly sacrificed His perfect life on our behalf so that we may receive His gift that frees us from God’s wrath.
And we have come to know and to believe the love that God has for us.
God is love, and the one who remains in love remains in God, and God remains in him. In this, love is made complete with us so that we may have confidence in the day of judgment, because as he is, so also are we in this world. There is no fear in love; instead, perfect love drives out fear, because fear involves punishment. So the one who fears is not complete in love. We love because he first loved us.
1 John 4:16–19 CSB
Therefore, we live in right standing with the Father because of our relationship with His Son. Consequently, our fear changes from fear of eternal punishment to fear of displeasing our Father and breaking fellowship with Him. Instead, we gratefully yield our will to His perfect plan for us.
Hallelujah!
Psalm 112:1 CSB
Happy is the person who fears the Lord,
taking great delight in his commands.
How do I fear the Lord?
Fear of the Lord is the foundation of true knowledge,
Proverbs 1:7 NLT
but fools despise wisdom and discipline.
The Warren Wiersbe Study Bible states:
If we truly “fear” the Lord, we acknowledge from our hearts that he’s the Creator, we’re the creature; he’s the Father, we’re his children; he’s the Master, we’re the servants. It means respecting God for who he is, listening carefully to what he says, and obeying his Word, knowing that our disobedience displeases him, breaks our fellowship with him and invites his chastening. This is not the servile fear of the slave before the master but the reverential and respectful fear of the child before the parent.
Warren Wiersbe Study Bible note for Proverbs 1:7
Therefore, we may live in reasonable fear of the Lord when we move to Step 3: Experience Forgiveness of Sins.
3. Experience Forgiveness of Sins
Key Verses for the Third Step to Spiritual Maturity
How joyful is the one
Psalm 32:1–2 CSB
whose transgression is forgiven,
whose sin is covered!
How joyful is a person whom
the Lord does not charge with iniquity
and in whose spirit is no deceit!
Compare another translation.
Blessed is the one
Psalm 32:2 NIV
whose sin the Lord does not count against them
and in whose spirit is no deceit.
Blessed are those whose lawless acts are forgiven
Romans 4:7–8 CSB
and whose sins are covered.
Blessed is the person
the Lord will never charge with sin.
Yes! We can live in a blessed, joyful, happy state when we take our sin burdens to the Lord and leave them there. Jesus paid the price so that our sins could be forgiven. Therefore, we stand righteously before the Father because of our relationship with His Son.
Sin causes pain and grief.
Sin indeed causes pain and grief. But because of Christ, our sorrow can be turned into joy.
“Blessed are those who mourn,
Matthew 5:4 CSB
for they will be comforted.“
“Blessed are you who are hungry now,
Luke 6:21 CSB
because you will be filled.
Blessed are you who weep now,
because you will laugh.“
How do I experience forgiveness of sins?
1 John supplies the answer.
If we walk in the light as he himself is in the light, we have fellowship with one another, and the blood of Jesus his Son cleanses us from all sin. If we say, “We have no sin,” we are deceiving ourselves, and the truth is not in us. If we confess our sins, he is faithful and righteous to forgive us our sins and to cleanse us from all unrighteousness.
1 John 1:7–9 CSB
Indeed, He will cleanse us from all unrighteousness, but I must daily choose to live in His righteousness.
4. Choose Righteousness
“Righteous” (Hebrew ṣaddı̂q [tsaw-dak’]) speaks of loyal, reliable conduct based on a commitment to God…. It is a term of relationship which describes a desire to live a life pleasing to God and fitting to the members of God’s family. It means behaving toward God and His people with the same care, compassion, and integrity that the righteous God has shown them.[1]
Key Verse for the Fourth Step to Spiritual Maturity
“Blessed are those who hunger and thirst for righteousness,
Matthew 5:6 CSB
for they will be filled.“
At the point of salvation, God gives us His righteousness; however, we are constantly tempted to pursue selfish ambition instead of continuing to live by God’s righteous standards.
“Blessed are the pure in heart,
Matthew 5:8 CSB
for they will see God.“
Choose good over evil.
Repeatedly in Proverbs, God contrasts choosing righteousness over wickedness.
The Lord detests the way of the wicked,
Proverbs 15:9 CSB
but he loves the one who pursues righteousness.
God desires for us to consistently choose righteousness so that we may live in the abundant blessings that righteous living offers.
The one who pursues righteousness and faithful love
Proverbs 21:21 CSB
will find life, righteousness, and honor.
This is what the Lord says:
Isaiah 56:1–2 CSB
Preserve justice and do what is right,
for my salvation is coming soon,
and my righteousness will be revealed.
Happy is the person who does this,
… and keeps his hand from doing any evil.
How happy are those who uphold justice,
Psalm 106:3 CSB
who practice righteousness at all times.
How do I choose righteousness?
Matthew and Luke tell a sad and scary story.
“When an unclean spirit comes out of a person, it roams through waterless places looking for rest but doesn’t find any. Then it says, ‘I’ll go back to my house that I came from.’ Returning, it finds the house vacant, swept, and put in order. Then it goes and brings with it seven other spirits more evil than itself, and they enter and settle down there. As a result, that person’s last condition is worse than the first.”
Matthew 12:43–45 CSB [also in Luke 11:24–26]
That is to say, the liberated person did not choose righteousness living as a result of his freedom. But we must actively participate in the work that Christ is doing in our lives.
We previously referenced 1 John 1:9, “If we confess our sins, he is faithful and righteous to forgive us our sins and to cleanse us from all unrighteousness.” (CSB) But when I am cleansed from all unrighteousness, I must continuously seek Christ and practice His righteousness. I must consistently choose to follow God’s way – I must choose righteousness.
What’s more, choosing righteous living is enabled by depending on God.
5. Depend on God
Key Verse for the Fifth Step to Spiritual Maturity
Taste and see that the Lord is good.
Psalm 34:8 CSB
How happy is the person who takes refuge in him!
How happy is anyone
Psalm 40:4 CSB
who has put his trust in the Lord
and has not turned to the proud
or to those who run after lies!
Happy are the people whose strength is in you,
Psalm 84:5 CSB
whose hearts are set on pilgrimage.
The Lord is worthy of our trust.
Pay homage to the Son or he will be angry
Psalm 2:12 CSB
and you will perish in your rebellion,
for his anger may ignite at any moment.
All who take refuge in him are happy.
Happy is the person who trusts in you,
Psalm 84:12 CSB
Lord of Armies!
Therefore the Lord is waiting to show you mercy,
Isaiah 30:18 CSB
and is rising up to show you compassion,
for the Lord is a just God.
All who wait patiently for him are happy.
The person who trusts in the Lord,
Jeremiah 17:7 CSB
whose confidence indeed is the Lord, is blessed.
Jesus said, “Because you have seen me, you have believed. Blessed are those who have not seen and yet believe.”
John 20:29 CSB
How do I depend on God?
In summary, all the verses I just shared emphasize our part in depending on God:
- take refuge in God
- trust the Lord
- find your strength in the Lord
- wait patiently for the Lord
- be confident in the Lord
- believe in Jesus
Additionally, if you need more direction, read Desperate Dependency.
6. Accept Discipline
Key Verse for the Sixth Step to Spiritual Maturity
Lord, how happy is anyone you discipline
Psalm 94:12 CSB
and teach from your law.
Do you want just to laugh out loud when you hear that verse? “Happy is anyone you discipline”? “You’ve got to be kidding me, right?” Discipline and happiness don’t seem to be a natural duo!
But when we experience forgiveness of sin and commit our lives to Jesus, He honors our commitment and trains us to walk in His ways. Therefore, as disciples of Christ, we are discipled, or disciplined, to become Christ-like.
There is a difference between punishment and discipline.
Jesus took our punishment for sin at the cross. Furthermore, He paid the price and freely offers His gift of forgiveness to any who are willing to choose to walk in His ways. Therefore, when I accept His sacrifice on my behalf, punishment for sin is no longer necessary. As a result, the discipline I receive is to teach me and train me in the way I should go to become a more effective follower of Christ.
Luke 7:23 and Matthew 11:6 (CSB) remind us that “blessed is the one who isn’t offended by me” – blessed is the person who gladly accepts God’s discipline and training.
Blessed is the one who endures trials, because when he has stood the test he will receive the crown of life that God has promised to those who love him.
James 1:12 CSB
Trials train us to depend on God more deeply. Trials ingrain relevant truth more significantly into our lives. In addition, tests demonstrate the all-sufficiency of Christ as we faithfully submit to His will for our lives.
How do I accept discipline?
Remembering and implementing all your previous steps to spiritual maturity enable you to climb higher. Therefore, as I connect to God’s Word, fear the Lord, experience forgiveness of sins, choose righteousness, and depend on God, I can more easily know that He has the best plans in mind for me. When I give back to Him all that He has given to me, I am fashioned more and more into His likeness.
Unfortunately, pride may creep in, and stubbornness may take root. Therefore, I take the next step to Be Humble.
7. Be Humble
Key Verse for the Seventh Step to Spiritual Maturity
“Blessed are the humble,
Matthew 5:5 CSB
for they will inherit the earth.“
Humility is another virtue that is difficult to comprehend. When we consider ourselves humble, we are often proud that we are so humble! But to truly grasp humility, we must understand that humility is nothing about us – whether we think more or less of ourselves. Therefore, to be humble, I must realize that all my life is under God’s authority. For this reason, humility only comes from living under God’s authority in dependence on Him. As a result, I must die to myself and live with an undivided heart. So every step I take and every breath I take should be submitted to His authority.
As I recognize God as the ultimate authority, the One who created all, set the world in motion, sustains all, including the stars in the heavens, knows all, knows how things should operate, and knows the plans He has for me, then I give God glory. Subsequently, I acknowledge His glory and supremacy. Living joyfully under the authority of such greatness certainly makes Him look wonderful and desirous.
“Blessed are the poor in spirit [humble],
Matthew 5:3 CSB
for the kingdom of heaven is theirs.”
We are all poor pitiful people without God.
Then looking up at his disciples, he said:
“Blessed are you who are poor,
Luke 6:20 CSB
because the kingdom of God is yours.”
Happy is one who is considerate of the poor;
Psalm 41:1–2 CSB
the Lord will save him in a day of adversity.
The Lord will keep him and preserve him;
he will be blessed in the land.
You will not give him over to the desire of his enemies.
“On the contrary, when you host a banquet, invite those who are poor, maimed, lame, or blind. And you will be blessed, because they cannot repay you; for you will be repaid at the resurrection of the righteous.”
Luke 14:13–14 CSB
I must realize my need.
🤔 “Ummm… Melanie, why are you quoting all these verses about the poor when talking about being humble?” Well, how do you approach the poor? If we are willing to admit it, I would guess that we proudly think, “I am so glad I’m not poor. So let me help these poor, pitiful people.”
All in all, we are all poor pitiful people without God’s authority directing our lives! When I exert my own way over God’s way, I am a poor, pitiful person but proud to have control of my own life. I must humbly realize my need – I need God. Likewise, without Him, I have nothing, and I am nothing – I am poor and pitiful.
How can I be humble?
I am humble when I submit to God’s authority, acknowledge God’s work in my life, and give Him all glory for what He does in and through my life. When I hold everything tightly, it’s a struggle to maintain control. But when I serve with open hands, I accept that all will be for God’s glory. Therefore, I need no glory for myself.
In addition, living humbly promotes peace.
8. Be a Peacemaker
Jesus is the prince of peace. I promote peace when I allow Him to have His way and rule – when I humbly submit to His authority.
Key Verse for the Eighth Step to Spiritual Maturity
“Blessed are the peacemakers,
Matthew 5:9 CSB
for they will be called sons of God.“
God creates and provides peace. Therefore, it is my responsibility to promote His peace. But too often, we think of a peacemaker as someone who is quiet and doesn’t cause any ruffled feathers. But sometimes, promoting peace may require ruffled feathers or even conflict.
What’s the difference between being assertive and controlling?
A peacemaker is assertive but not controlling. Notice that there is a difference between being assertive and controlling. I promote peace when I am assertive in following God’s commands and encouraging others to do the same. I am controlling when I do what I want and encourage others to do the same.
But the wisdom from above is first pure, then peace-loving, gentle, compliant, full of mercy and good fruits, unwavering, without pretense. And the fruit of righteousness is sown in peace by those who cultivate peace.
James 3:17–18 CSB
Peacemakers may be persecuted.
Unfortunately, persecution often comes to those seeking to be peacemakers. But Jesus says,
“Blessed are those who are persecuted because of righteousness,
for the kingdom of heaven is theirs.”“You are blessed when they insult you and persecute you and falsely say every kind of evil against you because of me.”
Matthew 5:10–11 CSB
“Blessed are you when people hate you,
when they exclude you, insult you,
and slander your name as evil
because of the Son of Man.”“Rejoice in that day and leap for joy. Take note—your reward is great in heaven, for this is the way their ancestors used to treat the prophets.”
Luke 6:22–23 CSB
But even if you should suffer for righteousness, you are blessed. Do not fear them or be intimidated, but in your hearts regard Christ the Lord as holy, ready at any time to give a defense to anyone who asks you for a reason for the hope that is in you. Yet do this with gentleness and reverence, keeping a clear conscience, so that when you are accused, those who disparage your good conduct in Christ will be put to shame. For it is better to suffer for doing good, if that should be God’s will, than for doing evil.
1 Peter 3:14–17 CSB
How can I be a peacemaker?
Above all, I need God to make peace.
“Peace with God gives the peace of God.”
Gene Getz
For God was pleased to have
Colossians 1:19–20 CSB
all his fullness dwell in him,
and through him to reconcile
everything to himself,
whether things on earth or things in heaven,
by making peace
through his blood, shed on the cross.
He is our peace!
But now in Christ Jesus, you who were far away have been brought near by the blood of Christ. For he is our peace, who made both groups one and tore down the dividing wall of hostility.
Ephesians 2:13–14 CSB
Therefore I, the prisoner in the Lord, urge you to walk worthy of the calling you have received, with all humility and gentleness, with patience, bearing with one another in love, making every effort to keep the unity of the Spirit through the bond of peace.
Ephesians 4:1–3 CSB
Did you read that? “Walk with all humility … keep the unity of the Spirit through the bond of peace.” Therefore, we each have a responsibility to join with God to accomplish His peace.
May the Lord of peace himself give you peace always in every way. The Lord be with all of you.
2 Thessalonians 3:16 CSB
When I live in God’s peace, I can genuinely Enjoy Worship.
9. Enjoy Worship
Key Verse for the Ninth Step to Spiritual Maturity
How happy are those who reside in your house,
Psalm 84:4 CSB
who praise you continually. Selah
Happy are the people who know the joyful shout;
Psalm 89:15 CSB
Lord, they walk in the light from your face.
God is worthy of all my worship.
Therefore, each Step to Spiritual Maturity directs us to submit to God’s rightful place in our lives. Likewise, worship acknowledges God for who He is and my relationship with Him. However, worship is not merely a command to be obeyed or an exercise to be completed. But worship is a joyful celebration that reminds us we have a faithful, loving God who directs every aspect of our lives. When I worship, I give to Him in response to everything He has given to me.
Blessed is the God and Father of our Lord Jesus Christ, who has blessed us with every spiritual blessing in the heavens in Christ. For he chose us in him, before the foundation of the world, to be holy and blameless in love before him. He predestined us to be adopted as sons through Jesus Christ for himself, according to the good pleasure of his will, to the praise of his glorious grace that he lavished on us in the Beloved One.
In him we have redemption through his blood, the forgiveness of our trespasses, according to the riches of his grace that he richly poured out on us with all wisdom and understanding. He made known to us the mystery of his will, according to his good pleasure that he purposed in Christ as a plan for the right time—to bring everything together in Christ, both things in heaven and things on earth in him.
Ephesians 1:3–10 CSB
What is worship?
Worship is giving God the honor due to His name. Unfortunately, we worship other lesser gods by giving them more honor than is due. That is idolatry.
When you consider your worship, ask yourself, “What am I returning to The One who is my God place?”
The question should cause you to pause and think. And then, you may start making your list of actions that you perform:
- go to church
- read my Bible
- pray
- sing …
But you should also consider, “Is worship an action or an attitude?”
He answered them, “Isaiah prophesied correctly about you hypocrites, as it is written:
This people honors me with their lips,
Mark 7:6–7 CSB
but their heart is far from me.
They worship me in vain,
teaching as doctrines human commands.”
How do I enjoy worship?
Ultimately, every aspect of my being, every action of my life, and every attitude of my heart should be an act of worship to The One who gives me everything.
Therefore, brothers and sisters, in view of the mercies of God, I urge you to present your bodies as a living sacrifice, holy and pleasing to God; this is your true worship.
Romans 12:1 CSB
And whatever you do, in word or in deed, do everything in the name of the Lord Jesus, giving thanks to God the Father through him.
Colossians 3:17 CSB
Giving thanks and praise are examples of acts of humble worship – I acknowledge God as the provider.
Read more about this point in the post How to Enjoy Worship of God.
Finally, above all, be committed to growing in Christlikeness.
10. Be Faithful
Be Faithful to growing in Christlikeness can also be known as committed, focused, and wholehearted.
Key Verse for the Tenth Step to Spiritual Maturity
“Blessed will be those servants the master finds alert when he comes. Truly I tell you, he will get ready, have them recline at the table, then come and serve them.“
Luke 12:37 CSB
“Blessed is that servant whom the master finds doing his job when he comes.“
Matthew 24:46 and Luke 12:43 CSB
“Look, I am coming like a thief. Blessed is the one who is alert and remains clothed so that he may not go around naked and people see his shame.”
Revelation 16:15 CSB
“Blessed are those who wash their robes, so that they may have the right to the tree of life and may enter the city by the gates.“
Revelation 22:14 CSB
How do I remain faithful?
Adopt the same attitude as that of Christ Jesus,
Philippians 2:5–8 CSB
who, existing in the form of God,
did not consider equality with God
as something to be exploited.
Instead he emptied himself
by assuming the form of a servant,
taking on the likeness of humanity.
And when he had come as a man,
he humbled himself by becoming obedient
to the point of death—
even to death on a cross.
Be faithful to Christlikeness.
Consider this scene that enlightens us about our ultimate destination. This passage also reminds us to focus more on the One who is worthy of our commitments.
In the year that King Uzziah died, I saw the Lord seated on a high and lofty throne, and the hem of his robe filled the temple. Seraphim were standing above him; they each had six wings: with two they covered their faces, with two they covered their feet, and with two they flew. And one called to another:
Holy, holy, holy is the Lord of Armies;
his glory fills the whole earth.The foundations of the doorways shook at the sound of their voices, and the temple was filled with smoke.
Then I said:
Woe is me for I am ruined
Isaiah 6:1–5 CSB
because I am a man of unclean lips
and live among a people of unclean lips,
and because my eyes have seen the King,
the Lord of Armies.
When I have set my eyes on the Lord and all His glory, I realize my efforts are futile. With focused attention on the holy Lord, I stand awestruck and should desire nothing more than to be near Him, be right standing with Him, and become like Him.
“These words of God are true.”
Then I heard a voice from heaven saying, “Write: Blessed are the dead who die in the Lord from now on.”
“Yes,” says the Spirit, “so they will rest from their labors, since their works follow them.”
Revelation 14:13 CSB
Then he said to me, “Write: Blessed are those invited to the marriage feast of the Lamb!” He also said to me, “These words of God are true.”
Revelation 19:9 CSB
Please Remember
If you are still alive, you have not arrived at ultimate spiritual maturity. Hence, the Steps to Spiritual Maturity are not stages that you pass through. To clarify, they are not seasons that come and go. Therefore, they are not milestones that are attained and are never revisited. In short, you will grow in spiritual maturity as you walk these steps frequently. In conclusion, these Steps to Spiritual Maturity are to be well-trodden, mastered skillfully, and they are to bridge the gulf between my sinfulness and Christlikeness.
10 Steps to Spiritual Maturity
- Connect to God’s Word
- Fear the Lord
- Experience Forgiveness of Sins
- Choose Righteousness
- Depend on God
- Accept Discipline
- Be Humble
- Be a Peacemaker
- Enjoy Worship
- Be Faithful
DDCommunity has hosted Bible studies focusing on the 10 Steps to Spiritual Maturity. For further study, you may want to consider your own Bible studies based on the patterns we created.
- Connect to God’s Word with This One Year Bible Study
- Study What the Bible Says about Sin and Righteousness
- Depend on God and Be Disciplined One Year Bible Study
- One Year Bible Study to Become a Humble Peacemaker
- Get to Know God to Become Committed to Worship
We would certainly be glad to share the insights we have gained if you would like to Contact Us.
POST A COMMENT about your insights on your journey toward spiritual maturity! We would love to connect with you!
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[1] David A. Hubbard and Lloyd J. Ogilvie, Proverbs, vol. 15, The Preacher’s Commentary Series (Nashville, TN: Thomas Nelson Inc, 1989), 145.
