Measuring Your Maturity in the Lord: A Guide to Spiritual Growth

Measure your growth in the Lord.

The Word of God is like a measuring stick. If you want to understand how spiritually mature you are, you don't need to look at what others think or even at your own feelings—look at the Word of God.

Hebrews 4:12 tells us that the Word of God is "living and active, sharper than any double-edged sword," and it judges the thoughts and attitudes of the heart. The Word cuts deep. It shows us who we are and what needs to change.

This week, I re-studied Jesus' Sermon on the Mount, and I was struck by some familiar words that challenged my heart. Jesus told us, “Do not worry about your life... do not worry about tomorrow” (Matthew 6:25-34). He calls us to seek His kingdom first, and everything else will fall into place (Matthew 6:33)

How many of us actually ponder about what that means? The kingdom reflects the way of God, which Jesus preached.

This kingdom is repentance, love, and holiness. This kingdom is about looking to the cross and being an enemy to the world.

Then, I was reminded of the words in 1 John 1:5-7: “God is light; in him there is no darkness at all. If we claim to have fellowship with him and yet walk in the darkness, we lie and do not live out the truth. But if we walk in the light, as he is in the light, we have fellowship with one another...”

These verses cut deep. If there is darkness in us—if we are living in sin or unconfessed rebellion—we cannot truly know God. His light cannot coexist with darkness. We are called to walk in the light, reflecting His purity and holiness.

When the Word of God is the authority in our lives, it does not allow us to stay complacent. It challenges us, convicts us, and transforms us. James 1:22-25 calls us to “be doers of the word, and not hearers only, deceiving yourselves.” To truly know God and grow in maturity, we must act on His Word. We can’t just listen or nod in agreement.

Faith, after all, is not passive. It is an active trust in God, a willingness to step out and live according to His truth.

This week, I want to challenge you to measure yourself by the Word of God. When you feel convicted, don’t brush it aside. Let the Holy Spirit work within you to bring about change. Know that when we align ourselves with God’s Word, it doesn’t just bring correction—it brings wisdom, understanding, and an increase in faith.

Reflection:

Are there areas in your life where you are not living according to God’s Word? (Newsflash: we all have them) Ask the Holy Spirit to reveal these areas and give you the strength to change. Let His Word be your measuring stick, and allow it to shape you into the person He created you to be.