Would you describe yourself as a mature Christian? Honestly, that term feels sort of subjective. What one person considers mature, another might not.
However, the Bible does give us some guidelines for spiritual maturity. First, God calls us to spiritual maturity:
“…until we all reach unity in the faith and in the knowledge of the Son of God and become mature, attaining to the whole measure of the fullness of Christ.” Eph 4:13, NIV
The Greek word translated as “mature” in Ephesians 4:13 is teleios. It means to be “complete, perfect, brought to end, of full age.” Spiritual maturity is God’s goal for us.
Next, our maturity is so important to God, He allows trials into our lives to grow our faith:
“Consider it pure joy, my brothers and sisters, whenever you face trials of many kinds,  because you know that the testing of your faith produces perseverance. Let perseverance finish its work so that you may be mature and complete, not lacking anything.” James 1:3-4
If our maturity is this important to God, perhaps we should take it more seriously. But how can we know if we’re growing spiritually? What does a mature Christian look like?
7 Characteristics of a Mature Christian
The Bible gives us many marks of a growing believer, like perseverance and spiritual fruit, but the Bible specifically mentions the following 7 characteristics in conjunction with the Greek word teleios:
- Recognizes the difference between right and wrong then does what is right (Hebrews 5:14)
- Not easily swayed by false teaching (Ephesians 4:13-16) – So grounded in the truth of God’s Word, she quickly recognizes falsehood.
- Rooted in love (Ephesians 4:13-16) – Our words and actions flow from love for our fellow believers.
- Serves the church (Ephesians 4:13-16) – A Christian cannot grow to her full potential apart from a vital connection to a local church. She must find her place of mutual service and encouragement.
- Lives with an eternal perspective (Philippians 3:13-15) – The reality of the spiritual and eternal drives her life. She purposefully strives to continual spiritual growth because she knows this life is temporary.
- Controls her tongue (James 3:2) – If a Christian has good control of her speech, you know she is on a path to maturity!
- Reflects God’s character to the world (Matthew 5:48) – God wants us to grow in spiritual maturity in order to reflect the character of Jesus to a watching world.
So how are you doing? What area do you struggle in the most? Why?
On another note… I need your help!
Kathy,
I thank God for you and the encouragement and challenges you post. This one on the Seven Characteristics of a Mature Christian is something all believers need to be reminded of, especially me.
I guess my struggle is with my mind which influences what I say. Sometimes I am discouraged and allow fear to take the reins. The sweet Holy Spirit reminds me that “Perfect love casts out fear. I also am reminded of the Scripture in 2 Corinthians (can’t remember the address – but have it memorized – “The weapons of our warfare are not carnal but mighty through God to the pulling down of strongholds, casting down imaginations and bringing every thought captive to the obedience of Christ.” I also am reminded to “set” my mind on things above where Christ is seated…. I am seated in Christ. Praise God. When I am obedient in my mind and thinking then my tongue is sweet.
Again, thank you for your faithfulness.
Marilyn
Marilyn, thank you for sharing! Isn’t God so good to remind us of all His promises to us in those moments when we are struggling in our own flesh? Thank you for reminding us that when we yield our thoughts and will to God He will control our tongue!
Kathy,
Thank you for your response to my comment. I hope you don’t mind that I shared the url of your website on my Facebook page. I wanted my Christian friends to get to know you and also be encouraged as I am. I am hoping they will subscribe to you page, get involved in one of your great Bible studies or look for one of your books.
God bless you, Kathy as you fulfill all that God has called you to be.
In Christ’s love,
Marilyn
Marilyn, thank you so much for sharing the post! My desire is that everything the Lord gives me to write will be an encouragement to His people. So, yes, feel free to share any time!!!
Very helpful,I got exactly what I was looking for, Thanks a bunch
worth reading
n im so much blesd
Oh! God bless you tremendously, Kathy. This article is quite incisive and I really like the fact that you gave at least one scripture reference for all the points. God bless you.
Good Bless you my dear fellow soldier in Christ. Kmowing that your labour in the LORD is not in vain.(1.Corinthians 15:58)
My tongue always gets me in trouble. I have to remember to set a trap before I flap my crap. Otherwise I will hurt someone’s feelings or come across extremely selfish. This is just a tool I use mentally so I can help my self along the road of Spiritual Maturity. Don’t tell me I am worse than y’all. The tongue is the most powerful weapon created.
Great tool! Thanks for sharing!
Hi Kathy,
I hope you are doing well. I have read your article. I am lecturer in a Bible College in Pakistan and teach different subjects on Ministerial Formation. I pray that God use you more by His grace and in His wisdom and strength. Your article is well written and well thought out.
Awesome one.. thanks much
Thank you so much. Your article is very intresting and educative.
God bless you for this message.
Comment *Thanks. I like your presentation
This is so powerful and encouraging for spiritual maturity building for me. Continue sending more to me over the same topic.