How do we define Spiritual Maturity?
It was a very serious question that took hold of me some years ago.
My desperation to understand the yardstick for spiritual maturity and how to consistently pursue this great goal came because of certain disappointments.
Did I say disappointment?
Yes. Disappointment.
My disappointment came as a result of not being able to see the practicality of the fruit of the Spirit in the lives of some leaders I was privileged to serve.
Of course, I'm touching again certain aspects many of us usually love to sweep under carpet.
But note that, what the Spirit of the Lord has been addressing in the past few days is primarily about the Spirit - taught leadership.
It is not about just anyone. It's about you. It is about me. It is about many of us who wants to see Jesus glorified again in our generation.
We must respond to this question that some young people may be asking in about what spiritual maturity is.
Wether we desire it or not, there are many young people in faith who want to understand how they ought to grow in the Spirit by looking into our lives.
The question is, can they find answers in our lives and leadership?
Are we patterns that the younger generation can follow and not miss their way in Christ?
I don't know about you. But one of the things that bother me most in ministry leadership is the kind of response my life is giving back to the younger generation.
Each time I remember how some of the leaders God took me through never bothered about the examples their lives provided in guiding the younger generation, I weep before the Lord for help that I may not repeat the same.
Meanwhile, one of the most important answers about this demand of growing spiritually and setting example for others to follow is found in Galatians 5:22-25.
It is about KEEPING IN STEP WITH THE SPIRIT.
We must of a necessity manifest the FRUIT of the Spirit. This happen as we LIVE by the Spirit. But to LIVE by the Spirit also rests on how we Keep in Step with the Spirit, moment by moment.
This is what we need to Live and Lead the Life of the Spirit. We cannot mislead when we lay hold on Fruit Bearing as a result of Spirit Life which relies on Spirit Walk.
