Is it possible to become a mature Christian?
The short answer is no. Christianity is worshiping God, faith, humility, and love for one another that no one can perfect. There are no mature Christians but only sinners saved by grace.
1. No one is good enough
The rise of “superstar preachers” and scandal upon scandal of pastors are clear evidence that Christian maturity is elusive even if you’ve finished a doctorate in Christianity. The title ‘Reverend‘ is a heavy burden.
We are born sinners and no one can ever be good enough—only God is good (Luke 18:19).
- Even if we’ve reached success in ministry, we remain imperfect.
- Even the most influential preacher can still fall short of God’s glory.
- The flesh is naturally drawn to vanity, Satan’s favorite sin.
Isaiah 64:6
All of us have become like something unclean, and all our righteous acts are like a polluted garment; all of us wither like a leaf, and our iniquities carry us away like the wind.
2. Maturity will come when we see Jesus
Transformed into glorified bodies, we enter heaven devoid of earth’s worldliness and temptations. This happens on the return of Jesus. Christian maturity is a journey, not a destination in this world. We strive to achieve it by having a Christ-like mindset.
In 1 Corinthians 2:6, the apostles spoke of spiritual wisdom to mature people (teleiois, τελείοις) or among them that are perfect or compete (KJV). A rhetoric among genuine Christians.
1 Corinthians 2:6
Yet we do speak wisdom among those who are mature. A kind of wisdom, however, is not of this age nor of the rulers of this age, who are passing away.
Paul’s journey to maturity
The race toward Christlikeness is not easy. The Greek word used for race was a sprinter. It refers to aggressive, energetic action. Paul pursued sanctification with all his might, straining every spiritual muscle to win the prize (1 Cor. 9:24-27; 1 Tim. 6:12; Heb. 12:1)
Philippians 3:12
Not that I have already obtained it or have already become perfect, but I press on so that I may lay hold of that for which also I was laid hold of by Christ Jesus.
Christian maturity is a journey, not a destination.
3. To achieve maturity is to be a perfect disciple of Christ
Studies conclude having a “mature faith” in some sense correlates to healthier psychological well-being and healthier relationships (Hill & Pargament, 2003; Okun & Stock, 1987; Powell & Pepper, 2015).
The first step is learning and applying Jesus’ teachings through discipleship to achieve them. However, the process of discipleship may take a lifetime to complete.
The apostles may have reached a degree of maturity. After all, they were discipled by Jesus Himself. But to say you have reached maturity would make you an apostle—and that role has already been filled.
Seven signs you are becoming a “more mature” Christian
- Chooses to love the unlovable.
- Faithful with daily prayer and devotional.
- Has a humble and teachable heart.
- Eager to learn the gospel sharing.
- Have gone into a mentoring program.
- Have memorized a handful of scriptures.
- Knows how to disciple others.
The bottom line, Christian maturity is impossible because of man’s sinful nature. However, we can be “more matured” in faith if we seek daily repentance and obedience to Christ.
