Devotional - Day 4

Children are wonderful – their innocence, curiosity, and joy bring light to our world. But there's something we expect as children grow: maturity. We don't expect a teenager to throw tantrums like a toddler, and we don't expect adults to make decisions with a child's understanding of consequences.

Paul uses this same principle when talking about spiritual maturity in the church. While we should maintain childlike faith and wonder, we're called to grow in wisdom, discernment, and understanding. A mature church community is one that operates with order, wisdom, and genuine care for one another.

Spiritual maturity isn't about age or how long you've been a Christian. It's about how you handle relationships, conflicts, and responsibilities. It's about thinking beyond your immediate wants to consider what's best for the whole community. It's about listening carefully to God's word and responding with wisdom rather than just emotion.

Maturity also means recognizing that we're all still growing. A mature person doesn't pretend to have all the answers, but they approach life with humility and a willingness to learn. They can disagree with others without being disagreeable. They can receive correction without becoming defensive.

In our church communities, maturity looks like participating actively rather than just consuming. It means taking responsibility for the health of relationships rather than waiting for others to make the first move. It means using our gifts not to draw attention to ourselves, but to genuinely serve others.

The beautiful thing about spiritual maturity is that it creates an environment where everyone can grow. When mature believers create stability and wisdom in a community, it provides a safe space for newer believers to ask questions, make mistakes, and develop their own faith.

Today’s Bible Verse

"Brothers and sisters, stop thinking like children. In regard to evil be infants, but in your thinking be adults." - 1 Corinthians 14:20

Reflection Question

What would it look like for you to take one step toward greater spiritual maturity in how you handle relationships or responsibilities in your church community?

Sermon Quote

A mature church is one that is orderly, sensible, full of discernment, who listens to the preached word and rejoices.

Prayer

God, help me to grow in spiritual maturity. Show me areas where I'm still thinking or acting childishly, and give me wisdom to respond with greater maturity. Help me to contribute to a community environment where everyone can grow safely. Amen.