HOW DO WE GROW TO CHRISTIAN MATURITY?

 We may grow to physical adulthood naturally over time, but no one grows up to spiritual maturity automatically.  For instance, the brothers and sisters in Corinth accepted the good news, got baptized, received holy spirit, and benefited from the personal instruction of the apostle Paul. (Acts 18:8-11) Yet, some years  after their baptism, many were immature. (1 Corinthians 3:2) How can we avoid slowing down in our spiritual growth?

To reach maturity, we must first cultivate the desire to become mature. Those who "love inexperience," preferring to remain as spiritual infants, will fail to make progress. (Proverbs 1:22) We do not want to be like those who are fully grow physically but continue depending on our own their parents to make decision for them.  Instead, we want to take responsibility for our own spiritual growth. (Read Jude 20.) If you are still working to reach maturity, pray that Jehovah will give you "both the desire and power to act." - PHILIPPIANS 2:13. 

Jehovah does not expect us to grow to maturity on our own. Those who serve as shepherds and teachers in the Christian congregation are prepared to help us in becoming full-grow" in a spirituals sense, "attaining the measure of stature that belongs to the fullness of the Christ. (Read Ephesians 4:11-13.) Jehovah also provides his holy spirit to help us have "the mind of Christ." (1 Corinthians 2:14-16) Further, God inspired the writing of the four Gospels to show us how Jesus' thought, spoke, and acted during his earthly ministry. By imitating Jesus' way of thinking and acting, you can reach your goal of Christian maturity.

Next time: THE ROLE OF SOLID SPIRITUAL FOOD

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