Spiritual Maturity

Till we all come in the unity of the faith, and of the knowledge of the Son of God, unto a perfect man, unto the measure of the stature of the fullness of Christ….

Ephesians 4:13

God intends for us to become spiritually mature people, both individually and collectively.  Everything that He does from His choosing us, right through to the sanctifying work of the Holy Spirit, brings us toward this spiritual maturity.  Paul describes this as ‘the unity of the faith and of the knowledge of the Son of God, to a perfect man, to the measure of the stature of the fullness of Christ.’  We may consider this last statement in this way.  If someone has become spiritually mature, what are the hallmarks of their character?  If we are describing them, we would say that they are very much like Christ.  We see in their attitudes, actions, words, and overall aspect that which demonstrates Christlikeness.  We would be able to discern in our interactions with them, the savor of Christ.  This is the end result of the work of the Spirit in us individually and it is the end result of the work of the Spirit in all of the redeemed collectively.  This is a spiritually mature person gathered together with all the others whom God has brought to spiritual maturity as He has made us one in Christ.  We become then ‘a perfect man, to the measure of the stature of the fullness of Christ.’

Our Good and Gracious God,
we rejoice that You bring us to spiritual maturity
by the work of Your Holy Spirit.
We praise You that You will conform us
unto the image of Christ.

Tomm Tice
Where the Bush is Burning