Growing in Maturity in Christ Sample

Five Phases of Spiritual Growth: Infancy

The next phase of spiritual growth, according to Jim Putman, for the follower of Jesus is spiritual infancy.  Every person born again by the Holy Spirit enters the Christian life the same way—as a spiritual baby.  And much like babies in the literal sense, these new Christians need much to help them grow and mature.  

The Apostle Peter commands followers of Jesus to desire or crave the milk of the word.  The Greek word translated “desire” is in the imperative mood, the language of command.  It is not a suggestion for spiritual babes to drink the milk of God’s Word; rather, it is a command.  Just as babies cannot grow without milk, neither can a new believer grow without the nourishment of the Scriptures.  If a person has truly been born again, he or she will indeed be desirous of spending time in God’s Word.  Peter in this same chapter writes, “Having been born again, not of corruptible seed but incorruptible, through the word of God which lives and abides forever.” (1 Peter 1:23)

It is not God’s will or intention for His people to stay in spiritual infancy.  However, and most unfortunately, as a pastor I have seen this happen way too many times.  Because there is no growth in the things of God, many remain as infants and never even mature to spiritual adolescence.  Many of these people are attenders in local churches.  Their literal age has nothing to do with spiritual maturity.  Jim Putman writes, “Some spiritual infants have been Christians for a long time but are stuck in this stage.  They never grew up spiritually after they were saved.  Attending church and carrying a Bible is all they know of the Christian life.  Disciple-makers cooperate with God to help these infants grow.” (Putman, Real-Life Discipleship Training Manual, p. 46)

One of the most powerful and revealing sections of Putman’s manual on discipleship is what he calls “the phrase from the stage.”  The words people use reveal the true nature of their spiritual condition.  For example, those who are spiritually dead and have not been born again will say things like “I do not believe in God.”  “Religion is for the weak.”  Bill Gates said years ago, “There is a lot more I can do with my life on Sundays than going to church.”  Spiritual infants also reveal the lack of spiritual maturity and growth when they say things like “It’s just me and God.  I don’t need others.”  “I know Jesus is Lord and Savior, but is karma real?”  “Does God let dead people, such as my grandma, visit us to give us messages from Him?” (Ibid., p. 47)

What do spiritual infants need?  We know they need the Word of God to grow, and they also need a family!  Every physical baby needs a loving family to nurture, feed, protect, and help them grow.  It is the same with spiritual infants.  They too need a family (the church) to help them grow in every way into maturity in Christ.

Are you a brand-new Christian, a spiritual infant?  Welcome to the family of God!  The Word of God and the people of God, the church, are absolutely vital for your growth.  I encourage you to read your Bible daily and get plugged into a church that loves Jesus and teaches the Bible.