Spiritual Maturity – Colossians 2:6-7

Therefore as you have received Christ Jesus the Lord, so walk in Him, having been firmly rooted and now being built up in Him and established in your faith, just as you were instructed, and overflowing with gratitude.

The mysteries of the kingdom of heaven are open to those who love and serve Jesus Christ.[1] True to His promises, the Father gives an overflowing abundance of faith to us when we lay down our lives, burying them in Jesus, allowing the seed of truth to grow within us. For to those with a burgeoning faith, the Lord will give a fuller measure, a deeper, stronger, wider faith that leads its possessor into maturity in Christ.[2]

We are living stones, which the Lord is building into spiritual houses laid on a sure and tried foundation, with Jesus Christ being the cornerstone.[3] As we abide in Him, our lives reflect the confidence of those standing upon solid rock in homes of stone. Having invited Christ to dwell within us as Sovereign Lord, we are grounded in Him,[4] and living thus in the truth, we are able to consider it all joy when we encounter various trials.[5]

Being excessively blessed by God, our dedicated souls grow in spiritual stature[6] as we call upon the Lord, asking Him to teach us His ways that we might walk in the light, revere His name, and bring Him an offering of thanksgiving in our fears, unmet desires, and sorrows just as we do in our triumphs.[7] As we look to the Lord Most High, Giver of all life, our love for Him grows stronger, and wisdom becomes our companion. We grow steadfast in our conviction of the truth, and having put aside juvenile pursuits and emotions, clothing ourselves in Jesus Christ, we no longer live as children. God is maturing us, enabling us to cast off our reservations and to grow in stature and favor with Him and with those with whom we associate, so that we may become useful servants for God’s kingdom.[8]

Bringing glory to God is our praiseworthy calling in Jesus Christ.[9] Therefore, conduct yourself as a loyal disciple of the Lord, and you will mature in faith and grow to understand who you are in Christ.  As one established in hope, grounded in trust, and perfected in love, diligently discharge your ministry. Look to Jesus as the source of your strength, courage, and joy, setting your heart on eternal things through eyes able to see what is valuable and true.

Do away with childish things, and allow the ministering Holy Spirit to transform you into the spiritually mature man or woman your heavenly Father created you to be.[10]

No longer tossed upon the waves

   Where winds would beat and crush

For Jesus’ love has taken hold

   Demanding turmoil hush

The pits along the quicksand path

   Of pride and vanity

Are filled and packed by solid rock

   Which Christ laid down for me

And fear no longer binds my heart

   Though mountains quake and roar

For I am standing on high ground

   Upon my Father’s shore

[1] Matthew 13:11

[2] Matthew 13:12

[3] 1 Peter 2:5, Isaiah 28:16

[4] Ephesians 3:14-19

[5] James 1:2

[6] Ephesians 1:3

[7] Psalm 86:11-12

[8] 1 Samuel 2:26, Hebrews 5:13-14

[9] 1 Corinthians 10:31

[10] 1 Corinthians 13:11