Notes on Spiritual/Character Development

PHASES OF FAITH:
Growing Bodies, Maturing Souls

1. The goal of Discipleship is Spiritual Maturity. But what IS Spiritual Maturity and why should it be a priority in our life’s development?

 The goal of Spiritual Maturity is fullness and completeness in God.
 What physical health is to the body, spiritual maturity is to the soul.

2. Just what does a Spiritually Mature soul look like?

 The mature one is at peace, trusting in God when there is much agitation and turmoil on the outside.

 The mature one is stable, balanced, and connected to God, therefore having no need to be personally intrusive, defensive, or reactive toward others.

 The mature one is positive and constructive, adding to the building of a life.

 The mature one is fun and enjoyable to be with, bringing delight, humor, and laughter to others.

 The mature one knows why he or she IS.

3. How do we get there? What must we do to become spiritual mature ourselves?

 Never stop learning. Always remain teachable.

 Never assume that accumulating head knowledge is the same as learning. Real learning is putting knowledge into practice. So, always put into action the truths and/or principles you are learning, if you want it to become your own learned experience.

 Look for role models and learn from other people’s mistakes as much as possible!

 Never lose sight of the purpose. Why is it that you are growing, learning, developing, and reaching for the sky?  Because to know God (His Love and Glory) is the greatest experience one could ever have, for it is why we were created!