How Long Will You Stay a Child? Embracing Growth in the Christian Walk

Many believers start their journey with Christ full of enthusiasm, drawn by a need for healing, guidance, or relief from pain. But once that initial need is met, how many continue pressing forward, seeking true spiritual maturity? All too often, we fall into patterns of complacency, preferring comfort over commitment, and avoiding the discipline that growth demands. Yet the call to follow Christ is a call to transformation—a life that goes beyond just receiving, into one that gives, serves, and matures. Are you ready to move past spiritual childhood and fully embrace the life God has for you?

Many believers find themselves repeatedly falling into the same patterns they say they want to leave behind. They engage in quarrels, respond defensively, or argue to prove a point, despite knowing these actions don't reflect the life they profess to follow in Christ. These behaviors not only keep them trapped in spiritual immaturity but also open the door to unnecessary battles and vulnerabilities, making it easier for the enemy to create chaos. The Apostle Paul challenges believers to “put away childish things” (1 Corinthians 13:11), yet many continue to struggle. Why is it so hard for some to let go of their old ways and fully embrace the transformation Christ offers?

For new believers, starting as "babes in Christ" is expected, but the process of growth often meets resistance. Some come to God initially out of deep need—seeking relief from pain, restoration, or help through life’s hardships. And while God in His mercy often provides that relief, the question remains: Do we still want to pursue Him and grow in faith once the immediate pain is taken away? Do we continue spending time in prayer and building our relationship with Him, or do we lose momentum as soon as our needs are met?

Many hesitate to undergo spiritual training, clinging to familiar behaviors because they feel justified in their reactions or eager to assert themselves. They say they want to grow but resist the discipline required to mature in Christ. This hesitation stunts spiritual growth and creates disunity within the body, tearing down what seasoned believers have worked hard to build. Hebrews 5:12-14 admonishes that by now, they ought to be teachers, yet they still need milk instead of solid food, which is reserved for those who have trained themselves to discern right from wrong.

Spiritual immaturity is more than just a personal struggle; it can hinder our ability to positively influence others and exemplify the life of Christ. When we fail to reflect His love, humility, and self-control, we risk pushing people away from the gospel we seek to share. Jesus issued a stern warning about causing "little ones" to stumble, emphasizing that our lives should draw others to God, not drive them away (Matthew 18:6).

Sometimes, believers long for deliverance from their own struggles but resist living in a way that enables them to help deliver others. They overlook that those God uses to deliver others are often individuals who have surrendered their time and hearts to Him, embodying a selflessness that mirrors Christ’s compassion and servanthood. These people prioritize God’s purposes over personal gain, maturing spiritually as they learn to serve others. But many remain content as “babes” in Christ, still expecting to be spoon-fed rather than stepping up to feed others. They focus on a life for self rather than one lived for God, failing to consider how their immaturity may prevent them from being effective witnesses for Christ.

It’s important to remember that spiritual maturity is rarely uniform across every area of life. Some believers may be very mature in certain aspects while still immature in others. This partial maturity can lead us to think we’re more spiritually developed than we are, creating blind spots that hinder true growth. Scripture is filled with examples of people who showed maturity in some areas but struggled in others, serving as reminders that spiritual growth is a continuous journey.

For instance, consider King David. David showed remarkable faith as a young man, defeating Goliath with courage rooted in his unwavering trust in God (1 Samuel 17:45-47). He was called a "man after God's own heart" (1 Samuel 13:14), demonstrating deep spiritual insight and closeness with the Lord. Yet, in another area—his personal relationships and self-control—he faltered. His affair with Bathsheba and the subsequent cover-up (2 Samuel 11) revealed an immaturity in handling temptation and personal desires. David's story illustrates how one can be spiritually mature in faith and dependence on God in some areas but immature in others, such as purity and self-control.

Another example is the Apostle Peter. Peter was bold in his declaration of faith, famously stating to Jesus, “Thou art the Christ, the Son of the living God” (Matthew 16:16). His willingness to step out of the boat and walk on water (Matthew 14:28-29) also showcased great faith and courage. Yet, in moments of testing, Peter’s immaturity was revealed when he denied Christ three times out of fear (Luke 22:54-62). Peter’s boldness in certain situations didn’t mean he was mature in every area—he struggled with consistency and steadfastness under pressure.

These examples remind us that spiritual maturity isn’t about reaching a single milestone or excelling in one area of faith. It’s about a continual process of growth across all areas of our spiritual lives—faith, self-control, humility, patience, and prayer. It’s easy to become complacent, thinking we are mature just because we’ve grown in a particular area, yet neglecting others where we still have much to learn.

Each believer should consider where they might need to mature. Perhaps someone is mature in faith but still struggles with patience. Another might be mature in knowledge but immature in prayer, neglecting daily communion with God and missing opportunities to deepen their relationship with Him. Some may have strong self-discipline in their personal lives but lack compassion and understanding toward others.

The Apostle Paul encourages us to “examine yourselves, whether ye be in the faith” (2 Corinthians 13:5). This examination isn’t about comparing ourselves to others but honestly assessing our own growth. True maturity in Christ requires humility to recognize where we are lacking and the discipline to seek growth in those areas.

The Bible frequently speaks about the need for a "circumcised heart" — a heart fully committed and submitted to God. Romans 2:29 explains that true circumcision is a matter of the heart, by the Spirit. For believers to grow, there must be an intentional decision to let go of fleshly impulses and allow God to reshape them. This surrender is essential for living a life hidden in Christ, where He leads, and they follow. Galatians 5:24 reminds us that those who belong to Christ have "crucified the flesh with its passions and desires." Until believers are willing to discipline themselves and make this surrender, true spiritual growth will remain out of reach.

To grow in spiritual maturity, we must seek balance and consistency in every area of our lives. Maturity isn’t merely about knowledge or outward discipline; it’s about cultivating a heart that desires to be conformed to Christ in every way. The Bible calls us to “grow up into him in all things, which is the head, even Christ” (Ephesians 4:15), urging us toward completeness in our faith journey.

So, as we examine ourselves, let’s remember that partial maturity is still immaturity in God’s eyes. Our journey doesn’t end when we master one area; instead, we’re called to strive continually for Christlikeness in every aspect of our lives. Let us pursue growth humbly, being mindful of our weaknesses, so we may become faithful, mature disciples who draw others toward God and the gospel we profess.

Spiritual growth requires effort, discipline, and intentionality. Paul urged the Ephesians to "wake up, sleeper, rise from the dead, and Christ will shine on you" (Ephesians 5:14). Today, believers must heed this call, actively pursuing growth and maturity in Christ. When we take our spiritual journey seriously, we not only grow personally but also inspire others to seek God.

So, let us examine our lives: Are we willing to grow beyond our own needs and walk as Christ’s ambassadors, willing to bear the burdens of others and share the gospel wholeheartedly? The people God has used to transform lives were not selfish; they gave of themselves for the sake of others. Now, we are called to do the same—to live for Christ, not for self. Let us no longer remain children, but grow into the fullness of Christ so that our lives, marked by His love and strength, draw others into His kingdom. The question remains: How long will you stay a child?