Self Examination: 5 Marks of Spiritual Maturity

Maturity seems to be a subjective concept when it comes to spiritual life. the Bible calls us as believers to test and examine ourselves to see whether or not we are in the faith (2 Corinthians 13:5). However, it is not only important to examine if your faith is genuine but, also to examine if your faith is growing. In this article, I want to share 5 marks of spiritual maturity so you can have a better understanding of where you are spiritually. So you can determine if you are spiritually mature or immature.

1. You magnify Christ over everything (2 Corinthians 5:9; Philippians 1:21–27; Colossians 3:23) — A spiritually mature person knows that Christ makes them complete. That Christ is sufficient and is the greatest treasure. A mature person has a passion to proclaim Christ, sing about Christ, and do all things for the glory of Christ. A mature Christian lives for Christ, and exalts Him above everything. It is a mature Christians ambition to please Christ and see others come to christ and live for Him.
   
   
2. You mortify sin (Romans 8:13, 13:14) — When one gets saved, he or she has a new love, and that is love for Christ. However, when one becomes that new creation in Christ the Holy Spirit indwells in that individual and causes them to have a hatred towards sin. Conviction will take place, and then an inward battle between the flesh and the Spirit within the Christian will continue on throughout the lifelong sanctification process. A mature believer will do all they can to suppress and cut-off sin in his or her life to magnify Christ.
   
   
3. You manifest a Spirit-led life (Galatians 5:16–23) — A mature Christian will have a desire to continually fill themselves with the Holy Spirit and be led by Him to live a godly life. A Spirit-led life consists of the fruit of the Spirit which consists of love, joy, peace, patience, kindness, goodness, faithfulness, gentleness, and self control. A mature Christian will choose the path of purity and is able to flee from immorality and temptation. A mature Christian will make it a priority to not walk in the flesh that results to sin, by not being influenced by the world, but being light in the world.
   
   
4. You make wise decisions (Proverbs; Hebrews 5:12–14) — Wise decision-making is a mark of maturity because a spiritually mature person is wise and is trained in discerning what to do. Wise decision making consists of having reverence towards God, having integrity, accountability, responsibility, and making important decisions through prayer. A history of wise decision-making can make one wise enough to teach others to make wise (or even wiser) decisions as well.
   
   
5. You meditate on Scripture (Psalm 119; Matthew 4:4; Luke 4:4; John 17:17) —  A mature Christian will have the mind of Christ. What is the mind Christ? A mind full of Scripture. Jesus fought temptation by quoting Scripture. He also referred to the Word of God many times throughout His ministry. Bible study and reading will be a priority in a mature Christian’s life. Meditation will come naturally to one who immerses his or herself with the Word of God. Whether it is watching movies or thinking through politics, a mature Christian immersed in the Word will see the world through a biblical lens.

Keep mind, that as long as we are here on earth, there will always be room to grow in our faith. With that being said, I pray that this article will be used as a tool to draw you closer to Christ. I pray that it was not only convicting but encouraging to you, so that you “grow in the grace and knowledge of our Lord Jesus Christ. To Him be the glory both now and to the day of eternity. Amen (2 Peter 3:18).”