Spiritual Maturity

 Hosea 13,14; Psalms 100,102; Hebrews 5 

 “During the days of Jesus’ life on earth, he offered up prayers and petitions with loud cries and tears to the one who could save him from death, and he was heard because of his reverent submission. Although he was a son, he learned obedience from what he suffered…solid food is for the mature, who by constant use have trained themselves to distinguish good from evil.”

Hebrews 5:7, 8, 14

The process of growing in maturity is much more than knowledge and life experience. Maturity in Christ’s kingdom comes from learning to distinguish good from evil, and then learning obedience and submission to that which is good, while resisting and avoiding that which is evil. The surrender of our will to God’s will is a core discipleship key that distinguishes those who grow in maturity, from those who plateau, or even regress, in their spiritual growth. Jesus’ intense agony in prayer prior to the cross was the battle of ongoing surrender to the will of the Father. “Not my will, your will be done” is not popular in any generation. The sugary food of self-indulgence appeals to the masses, while the spiritually mature have learned self-control.

What food are we eating?

Are we growing into spiritual maturity, or are we sick and dependent on others for food?

“Lord Jesus, I humble myself before you. Not my will, but your will be done in my life, for your glory.”