What does true spiritual maturity look like? Many assume it is found in those who dress well, speak eloquently, carry a Bible, and have extensive knowledge of Scripture. Such individuals may be well-respected in the church, hold leadership positions, and even exude confidence. Yet Jesus warned against judging by mere appearances. The spiritually mature are not necessarily those who look the part but those who live in obedience to God.
“The Lord does not look at the things people look at. People look at the outward appearance, but the Lord looks at the heart.” (1 Samuel 16:7)
In contrast to superficial believers, spiritually mature disciples of Christ are transformed from the inside out. Their character is forged through prayer, fasting, and obedience to God’s Word. The evidence of their maturity is seen in how they handle life’s difficulties, their stewardship of money, their response to correction, and the way they use their words. Jesus, especially in the Sermon on the Mount, provided a clear blueprint for spiritual maturity, which the apostles later reinforced. This essay will examine Jesus’ teachings on true discipleship, exposing the difference between superficial faith and authentic transformation.
Outward Religion vs. Inward Transformation
Jesus’ Warning Against External Appearances
The Pharisees in Jesus’ day epitomized external religiosity. They prayed publicly, fasted for recognition, and meticulously followed religious customs. Yet, Jesus exposed their spiritual bankruptcy:
“Woe to you, teachers of the law and Pharisees, you hypocrites! You are like whitewashed tombs, which look beautiful on the outside but on the inside are full of the bones of the dead and everything unclean.” (Matthew 23:27)
True spiritual maturity is not measured by how “religious” someone appears but by their obedience to Christ and transformation of heart. In Matthew 7:21-23, Jesus gives one of the most sobering warnings in Scripture:
“Not everyone who says to me, ‘Lord, Lord,’ will enter the kingdom of heaven, but only the one who does the will of my Father who is in heaven.”
Superficial believers may have knowledge of Scripture and religious involvement, but it is obedience to God that marks true maturity.
Four Ways to Identify True Spiritual Maturity
1. How They Respond to Life’s Challenges
The spiritually immature often crumble in hardship, complain, or even become bitter toward God. They may see trials as unfair disruptions rather than opportunities for growth.
Jesus, however, taught that trials are meant to refine and strengthen faith:
“Therefore everyone who hears these words of mine and puts them into practice is like a wise man who built his house on the rock. The rain came down, the streams rose, and the winds blew and beat against that house; yet it did not fall, because it had its foundation on the rock.” (Matthew 7:24-25)
Mature believers endure suffering with trust in God’s sovereignty. They are not immune to grief, but they do not despair like those without hope. Job, despite his unimaginable suffering, declared:
“Though he slay me, yet will I hope in him.” (Job 13:15)
By contrast, immature believers quickly abandon faith when life becomes difficult, much like the seed that falls on rocky ground in Jesus’ parable:
“But since they have no root, they last only a short time. When trouble or persecution comes because of the word, they quickly fall away.” (Matthew 13:21)
A person’s response to trials reveals whether their faith is superficial or deeply rooted in Christ.
2. How They Handle Money
Jesus spoke frequently about money because how we manage resources reveals where our heart truly is:
“For where your treasure is, there your heart will be also.” (Matthew 6:21)
Immature believers often view wealth as a measure of success or security, and they may hoard resources or spend extravagantly to impress others. Some may even believe that financial prosperity is proof of God’s favor, embracing a shallow prosperity gospel mindset.
By contrast, spiritually mature believers handle money with wisdom, contentment, and generosity:
“No one can serve two masters. Either you will hate the one and love the other, or you will be devoted to the one and despise the other. You cannot serve both God and money.” (Matthew 6:24)
Paul reinforced this teaching:
“But godliness with contentment is great gain. For we brought nothing into the world, and we can take nothing out of it.” (1 Timothy 6:6-7)
Rather than being consumed by materialism, mature believers are generous, recognizing that all they have belongs to God. They give cheerfully (2 Corinthians 9:7) and trust God to provide (Philippians 4:19).
3. How They Respond to Correction
One of the clearest signs of spiritual maturity is how a person reacts to reproof and teaching.
“Whoever loves discipline loves knowledge, but whoever hates correction is stupid.” (Proverbs 12:1)
The spiritually immature bristle at correction. They become defensive, justify their actions, or even attack the one offering guidance. This was the attitude of the Pharisees when confronted by Jesus—they rejected His correction and sought to silence Him.
In contrast, the spiritually mature are humble and teachable:
“The wise in heart accept commands, but a chattering fool comes to ruin.” (Proverbs 10:8)
David, despite being a king, displayed spiritual maturity when confronted by Nathan about his sin with Bathsheba. Instead of becoming defensive, he repented immediately (Psalm 51).
A person’s willingness to receive correction with humility is a strong indicator of their spiritual growth.
4. How They Use Their Words
Jesus taught that our speech reveals the condition of our heart:
“For the mouth speaks what the heart is full of.” (Luke 6:45)
Spiritually immature believers often engage in gossip, slander, boasting, or careless speech. James warns:
“Those who consider themselves religious and yet do not keep a tight rein on their tongues deceive themselves, and their religion is worthless.” (James 1:26)
Mature believers, however, speak with wisdom, grace, and truth:
“Do not let any unwholesome talk come out of your mouths, but only what is helpful for building others up according to their needs, that it may benefit those who listen.” (Ephesians 4:29)
Instead of tearing others down, their words bring life and reflect the character of Christ.
The Foundation of True Maturity: Inward Transformation
True spiritual maturity begins inwardly before it manifests outwardly. Jesus emphasized the importance of spiritual disciplines that cultivate deep faith:
- Prayer (Matthew 6:5-6)
- Fasting (Matthew 6:16-18)
- Studying and obeying Scripture (John 8:31-32)
- Practicing humility (Matthew 23:12)
- Loving enemies and forgiving others (Matthew 5:43-48)
These disciplines shape a person’s heart, producing visible fruit in their actions. It is through obedience that faith is proven genuine.
“Do not merely listen to the word, and so deceive yourselves. Do what it says.” (James 1:22)
Conclusion: Discerning True Spiritual Maturity
The church must be diligent in recognizing and appointing spiritually mature leaders, mentors, and teachers while also discerning and removing those who are spiritually shallow yet outwardly impressive.
True spiritual maturity is not about appearances but about a transformed heart that produces genuine obedience, faithfulness in trials, wise stewardship, humility in correction, and Christlike speech.
“But grow in the grace and knowledge of our Lord and Savior Jesus Christ. To him be glory both now and forever! Amen.” (2 Peter 3:18)
All Scripture quoted from:
New International Version (NIV)
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