How Do We Achieve Spiritual Maturity?

When we become Christians we are to transform our lives.  Some immediately begin to grow, while others remain stagnant in their faith.  Paul instructs us in Romans 12:2 (KJV) And be not conformed to this world: but be ye transformed by the renewing of your mind, that ye may prove what is that good, and acceptable, and perfect, will of God.  Based on Paul’s words, lets look at three ways we can be transformed.
 
1. We must prepare our hearts
Preparing our hearts is one of the most important steps to become spiritually mature.  If we don’t desire the right mindset to do Gods will, we may eventually fall away from God. It takes dedication and commitment to learn more about God and do his will. Jesus taught the same concept during his ministry.  Luke 10:27 (KJV) And he answering said, Thou shalt love the Lord thy God with all thy heart, and with all thy soul, and with all thy strength, and with all thy mind; and thy neighbor as thyself. If we do not fully prepare our heart to serve God we will find it very difficult to remain faithful.  Motivation and desire is the key to success in every area of life.
 
2. We are to do everything with heaven as our ultimate goal.
Matthew 6:19-21 (KJV) Lay not up for yourselves treasures upon earth, where moth and rust doth corrupt, and where thieves break through and steal: But lay up for yourselves treasures in heaven, where neither moth nor rust doth corrupt, and where thieves do not break through nor steal: For where your treasure is, there will your heart be also. Jesus was letting the people know that monetary gain should not be our focus in life, rather we are to make heaven our goal and our treasure. If our goal is to get to heaven, and we have prepared our hearts, half the battle is won.
 
3. We must be doers of the Word.
Its not enough to be motivated, or to desire the reward of heaven.  It is also not enough to know the word of God.  We must also obey what we have learned as a response to the preparation of our heart and the desire for our heavenly reward.  I believe James put it best: James 1:21-25 (KJV) Wherefore lay apart all filthiness and superfluity of naughtiness, and receive with meekness the engrafted word, which is able to save your souls. But be ye doers of the word, and not hearers only, deceiving your own selves. For if any be a hearer of the word, and not a doer, he is like unto a man beholding his natural face in a glass: For he beholdeth himself, and goeth his way, and straightway forgetteth what manner of man he was. But whoso looketh into the perfect law of liberty, and continueth therein, he being not a forgetful hearer, but a doer of the work, this man shall be blessed in his deed.
 
Simply put, Christianity is based upon a heart that desires to do right in hopes of a reward of heaven.  This desire is demonstrated by the faithful Christian in knowing God’s will, and then living according to God’s word in every aspect of their life.