I was seeing a movie with my dear daughter when she heard this statement from the movie; “Are you still a Baby Christian?” She bursted into laughter as she asked; “How can someone be a baby Christian?” This led me to a short discuss with her on spiritual maturity.
Friend, there is difference between spiritual maturity and spiritual manifestations. The Corinthian Church was a very vocal, gifted and busy Church; but it was also a carnal Church (1 Corinthians 3:1). Paul considered it a paradox that a Christian can be blessed with spiritual manifestations but deficient in growth and maturity.
Our maturity in the Kingdom is not seen in our giftedness but in how much of the character of the Spirit that shows in our daily lives. Since gifts can be acquired via an encounter with God and/or the sheer benevolence of God, it is a wrong measure of spiritual maturity. It is in the place of fellowship and intimacy that Character and maturity are developed (John 15:4-5, Galatians 5:22-25).
While it is not a sin to be a baby Christian, it is a serious matter in the heart of God to remain one. Babyhood is a phase, a necessary phase of life. And that is just what it is; a phase. When babyhood becomes a state of life, it becomes a problem. We are supposed to go unto maturity (1 Peter 2:2, 2 Peter 3:18, Hebrews 5:11-14).
In the physical, growth is automatic but in the Kingdom, it is not; growth is intentional. We are encouraged to desire the sincere milk of the word so we may grow thereby (1 Peter 2:2). We are challenged to quit childish things (1 Corinthians 13:11). We are expected to submit ourselves to tutors and governors (Galatians 4:1-2). We are instructed to go unto maturity (Hebrews 6:1).
Your spiritual maturity determines your level of understanding (1 Corinthians 3:1, Hebrews 5:11-12), how much of Kingdom authority you can discharge (Galatians 4:1-2), how much of Kingdom assignments that can be committed to your hands (Isaiah 9:6), and ultimately the fulfilment of your destiny. Whereas, God loves you unconditionally, He demands that you grow.
‘Demola Awoyele
Lead Pastor,
Destiny Impact Church
Akure, Nigeria