Reaching the Next Plateau: Striking Complacency
Reaching the Next Plateau: Striking Complacency
Life has a way of surprising us with quirky moments. Recently, due to some unusual customer behavior I observed, my wife decided I am officially banned from shopping at Cub Foods. Yes, banished from my favorite grocery store! So now, my adventures will continue at Hy-Vee, where I’m sure plenty of customer shenanigans await.
But beyond grocery store drama, the new year has me thinking about something deeper: spiritual maturity. As I began preparing for my resolutions, I reflected on what Scripture calls “perfection.” In the Bible, perfection isn’t about being flawless; it’s about growth as a follower of Christ and as a human being.
Jesus expects growth and productivity from His followers. In Mark 11:12-14, we see this illustrated:
12 The next morning as they were leaving Bethany, Jesus was hungry. 13 He noticed a fig tree in full leaf a little way off, so he went over to see if he could find any figs. But there were only leaves because it was too early in the season for fruit. 14 Then Jesus said to the tree, “May no one ever eat your fruit again!”
The fig tree looked promising, full of leaves, but it lacked fruit. Even though it wasn’t the season for ripe figs, its appearance suggested there should have been early signs of fruit (blossoms). Matthew 24:42-44). The fig tree’s failure warns against complacency in our spiritual lives.
The Bible calls us to grow in faith, and “faith without works is dead” (James 2:26). The Apostle Paul echoes this in Hebrews 6:1:
Therefore, let us get past the elementary stage in the teachings about the Christ, advancing on to maturity and perfection and spiritual completeness…
Fruitfulness
Every year, I revisit the fruit of the Spirit listed in Galatians 5:23-24 because this is the kind of fruit we are called to produce:
- Love
- Joy
- Peace
- Patience
- Kindness
- Goodness
- Faithfulness
- Gentleness (respecting others)
- Self-control (ruling ourselves properly)
These qualities are practical and achievable when we allow God’s Spirit to guide our lives. Remember: we belong to Christ. We no longer obey our old, flawed thoughts. Instead, God’s Spirit gives us new life; so let Him lead us in how we live.
The Importance of Spiritual Growth and Maturity
Spiritual growth is the foundation for a deeply fulfilling life. As we mature spiritually, we develop greater self-awareness, resilience, and compassion—qualities that empower us to navigate life’s challenges with grace and wisdom. Unlike material achievements or fleeting pleasures, spiritual maturity brings lasting inner peace and a sense of purpose that transcends external circumstances.
Investing in your spiritual growth means taking time to reflect, seek understanding, and nurture your connection with something greater than yourself. Whether through meditation, prayer, study, or acts of kindness, each step forward brings clarity and strength. Over time, you’ll notice positive changes, not only in how you see yourself but also in how you relate to others.
The Importance of Spiritual Growth for a Fulfilling Life
Spiritual growth is not just a lofty ideal reserved for the deeply religious. It’s a practical, transformative journey that everyone must embark on. At its core, maturity is about developing a deeper understanding of yourself and your work with others in the world. It means nurturing qualities like compassion, goodness, patience, and kindness, which enrich every aspect of daily life.
When you commit to spiritual growth, you open yourself up to greater inner peace and resilience. Life’s challenges become opportunities for learning rather than sources of stress or frustration.
As you mature spiritually, your relationships improve because you approach others with empathy and wisdom. Decisions become clearer as your spiritual values align more closely with your actions.
Hallelujah! Sing a New Song to GOD. Sing HIS praise in the assembly of godly people. Psalm 149:1.
"Well, Well, Well", 2025, Mavhouse, featuring Nick Day, Roman Collins, and Za Smith
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