REACHING SPIRITUAL MATURITY
by Mike Cauley, D.Min.
Florida Conference President
Dear Believer in the Advent Hope: As we draw closer to the coming of Jesus, God’s people will grow in spiritual maturity as they fall more deeply in love with Jesus. This experience comes by connecting with Him through His Word. Ellen White tells us, “As we read the Bible we learn of His work and listen to His voice. If we really want to know the Saviour, we will study the Bible.” —Steps To Jesus, p. 87
About six years ago, there was a major study to determine the most significant factors in leading a person to spiritual maturity. Spiritual maturity was defined as an individual who:
- Is totally surrendered to Christ
- Reflects on Scripture daily
- Returns a faithful tithe
- Spends time alone with God for significant periods of time daily and, otherwise, has a meaningful daily prayer life
- Seeks God for guidance daily
- Regularly looks for ways to share with others what Jesus means to them
- Regularly spends time in reflection and journaling
- Serves as a spiritual mentor
- Individually serves those who are in need
The study was the largest of its kind, encompassing 250,000 American Christians involving 1,000 congregations. They attempted to ascertain which factors were the most beneficial in helping converted people become mature believers. Of all the factors influencing spiritual growth, the practice of daily, meaningful Bible study was the most impactful. They also found that only 25% of active Christian believers in the churches could be characterized as mature believers. These statistics may not be much different in our denomination.
This year’s Camp Meeting, April 11-14 (English) and April 18-21 (Spanish), will focus on how to equip God’s people to dig deeply into His Word. I hope that you will join us for this wonderful time of spiritual renewal. It is vital that we have occasions to come together to be encouraged and strengthened in our walk with Jesus.
Our mission statement, “To make mature disciples…” is what we are trying to achieve in obedience to the great commission. Growing in Christ is foundational to us becoming all that the Lord desires for us to be. Learning how to interact with the Scriptures daily in a meaningful way will help us to grow in Christ more than anything else.
Those who have had the privilege of attending Camp Meeting at Camp Kulaqua have experienced a very real blessing. It is a wonderful retreat from this world. In my opinion, it is as much like an old-fashioned Camp Meeting experience as I have had in many years. I hope to see you there.
May God bless us as we continue to pursue growth to be more like Jesus and help others come to maturity in Christ.