Spiritual Maturity Comes by Degrees

“From one degree of glory to another.” 2Co 3:18 AMP

How would you describe someone who is spiritually mature? Leonard Wedel says: “A mature person does not take himself too seriously…keeps himself alert in mind …does not always view with alarm every adverse situation that arises…Is too big to be little…never feels too great to do little things, and is never too proud to do humble things …never accepts either success or failure in themselves as permanent…is one who is able to control his or her impulses…is not afraid to make mistakes…has faith in themselves which becomes stronger as it is fortified by their faith in God.” So, measured by that standard, how well are you doing? Are you able to evaluate your progress, without getting discouraged or feeling condemned? Can you look at how far you still have to go, yet be able to appreciate and celebrate how far you have already come? The Bible says we are changed “from one degree of glory to another.” Notice, spiritual maturity takes place by degrees. In small steps, not giant leaps. You must learn to live by God’s Word, not by how you feel, for His Word states that as long as you believe, God is working in you: “The Word of God…is effectually at work in you who believe [exercising its superhuman power in those who adhere to and trust in and rely on it]” (1Th 2:13 AMP). There is a direct connection between your daily intake of God’s Word and your maturity level. And the good news is, God hasn’t left us to do it on our own. “We…are being transformed…from glory to glory…by the Spirit” (2Co 3:18 NKJV).

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