It's Time To Grow Up

It has been said that the new birth takes but a moment; spiritual maturity takes a lifetime. Nowhere is this more clearly demonstrated than in the Parable of the Sower, where Jesus warned His disciples about the different ways in which God's Word would be received. He said some would fall by the wayside, being snatched up by the devil as soon as the Word entered their heart. Others would receive the Word with joy, but fall away during a time of temptation. Still others would hear the Word, yet remain entangled in the cares of the world, making it impossible for them to bring any spiritual fruit to maturity. Finally, Jesus told of those "on the good ground are they, which in an honest and good heart, having heard the word, keep it, and bring forth fruit with patience" (Luke 8:11-15).

Spiritual maturity is a continual process of growth that takes time and patience. We need to remain rooted in the Word and nourished through worship and fellowship with the Lord. In addition to having a solid foundation in these spiritual disciplines, we need to develop a very sensitive ear in listening for the Holy Spirit's leading. There are so many voices and noises around us today that it's vitally important to be alert and sensitive to the Spirit's still, small voice. As a man, Jesus needed to grow in spiritual maturity as well. When He walked the earth, He was constantly surrounded by a multitude of people; but He knew that the most important relationship He could invest in was with His Father, for it was His voice that would lead and guide Him. Therefore, He spent a large amount of time in prayer and conversation with God.

To know the written Word of the Lord and the spoken voice of the Lord through His Spirit is of primary importance for spiritual growth. A lady was once asked how she knew the voice of the Spirit. She answered, "How do you know your husband's voice and your child's cry from the voice and cry of all others?" For her, the voice of the Spirit was as familiar as the unique sounds of her husband and child ... and that came with spending lots of intimate time with the Spirit. He will take the good seed that has been planted in our hearts and develop it to bring forth spiritual fruit in our lives. And He will also help us understand the Word and apply it through daily use or practice, so that we will have our "senses exercised to discern both good and evil."

In order to grow to spiritual maturity, we need to be sensitive to God's leading, challenging and working in our lives. And in order to be sensitive to God's leading, we must spend time getting to know His voice (the written Word and speaking of the Spirit) because the more intimately we know Him, the easier it will be to hear His voice above all others and grow to spiritual maturity.

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Copyright © 2021, Mark Varga, All rights reserved.