What does it truly mean to be mature? Merriam-Webster puts it this way: having completed natural growth and development; having attained a final or desired state; having achieved a low but stable growth rate (1). These definitions have one common narrative—growth. Reaching maturity should always be identifiable by the level of your growth. Emotional maturity can be recognized by how a person responds to situations—do they explode with chaotic verbalizations or do they take the time to obtain and apply a sensible solution. Relational maturity is easily noticeable by how one manages their connection to others—do they treat others the way they’d like to be treated, do they seek to add value to others or simply take from others what benefits them. But what about spiritual maturity—what identifies a person as being spiritually mature. As with all other spiritual matters I believe the answers can always be obtained from the Word of God. This brings us to 1 Corinthians 2:15 AMP—But the spiritual man, the spiritually mature Christian, judges all things [questions, examines and applies what the Holy Spirit reveals], yet is himself judged by no one [the unbeliever cannot judge and understand the Believer’s spiritual nature]. The applicable portion of this that we will focus on for this article is: questions, examines, & applies what the Holy Spirit reveals—the identifier for the “spiritually mature” individual. Let’s get into it!
They Question:
To question something is not just making a mere one-time inquiry but to go further(2). The purpose is to explore and search beyond that which appears on the surface. When a detective is on a case they question specific outcomes until they arrive at an inevitable outcome. They know not everything that appears on the surface, or at the forefront, is what’s actually true. This is why to question is an exceedingly great identifier for the spiritually mature because it indicates you have moved beyond the simplified actions and understanding of a child. Children easily believe and accept what someone says as truth, and they respond accordingly. However, spiritual maturity demands more. You must be able to patiently wait for and seek out truth. And that truth will always be provided by the One Who resides inside of us—The Holy Spirit. John 16:13 puts it like this: However when He, the Spirit of Truth, is come, He will guide you into all truth; for He shall not speak from Himself, but whatsoever He shall hear, that shall He speak; and He will show you things to come (KJ21). Truth is specifically important when it comes to leadership because you are in a position where your actions are impacting the lives of others. You cannot afford to make quick and rash decisions without considering if the situation being presented is being presented in its entirety. As the fundamental principle so goes—”assume nothing, question everything” (James Patterson, 3).
They Examine:
To examine is that next level of research that goes deeper than just questioning. It’s the activity that potentially leads to even more questions. It’s identified as close inspection and careful inquiry so that you can test the validity of a thing (Merriam-Webster, 4). Examining is different from just questioning because it requires a more thorough interrogation as is the case when it comes to truth. The Word puts it this way in 2 Corinthians 2:10—But God has revealed them to us through His Spirit. For the Spirit (Holy Spirit) searches all things, yes, the deep things of God. If you’re starting to notice a recurring element here in regard to the Holy Spirit there’s a reason for that. Which we are about to get into next.
The Holy Spirit:
Every born again Believer has the Holy Spirit dwelling on the inside of them (1 Corinthians 6:19, 5). He communes with their spirit to lead and guide them throughout their daily lives. This is how God communicates with the Believer. The spirit is the part of every human which was made and created in God’s image and it is your spirit that God speaks to, not your human earthly ears. Your natural body—your formed version of you—is the lesser version of you. It is your spirit—your created version that’s in His image—that is the highest version of you so that is what He speaks to (Genesis 1:26, 6). Hence the reason a mature Believer is identified by their ability to listen and follow instructions from the Holy Spirit. Believers without that level of maturity are more prone to follow their soul, which contains their emotions, and make emotional decisions leading often to undesired outcomes for both themselves, and anyone else involved.
Conclusion:
Maturity and growth are essential elements for us all and can be obtained by many different avenues. Through mentors, teachers, parents, and books written by others who achieved great things. To believe you can live life absent of growth and maturity is one of the greatest injustices you will ever impose upon yourself. Though it may not always be easy it is exceedingly essential, and will always produce a more favorable outcome for both you and all those connected to you.
Be Blessed!
Sources:
- “Mature.” Merriam-Webster.com Dictionary, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/dictionary/mature. Accessed 7 May. 2026.
- “Question.” Merriam-Webster.com Dictionary, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/dictionary/question. Accessed 7 May. 2026.
- Patterson, James. “Cat & Mouse”. Little, Brown and Company, 1997.
- “Examine.” Merriam-Webster.com Dictionary, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/dictionary/examine. Accessed 7 May. 2026.
- Bible Gateway. No date. 1 Corinthians 6:19. https://www.biblegateway.com/passage/?search=1%20Corinthians%206%3A19&version=NKJV.
- https://www.biblegateway.com/passage/?search=Genesis%201%3A26&version=NKJV
The Curious Believer 