The Ultimate Upgrade: Developing Spiritual Maturity

Happy New Year!

We live in an upgrade culture. Everywhere you turn marketers are telling you to upgrade your car, your phone, and your clothing. TV shows are dedicated to upgrading homes, which influence many of us to make similar upgrades. This is the time of year many people want to upgrade their health and start working out. People think about starting a new diet like the Atkins diet or Paleo diet.

Why do all these trends happen in January? Because it's a new year and everyone thinks about upgrading their life. There’s something that lives in the heart of most Americans that says, make it better, improve yourself, it’s time for an upgrade.

The drive to improve is deeply ingrained. Social media trends like "Dry January" or "No Spend January" reflect this desire to start fresh and make meaningful changes. But beneath these efforts lies a deeper question: What do we truly need to upgrade?

Paul reminds us in 1 Timothy 4:7-8, "Train yourself in godliness. For the training of the body has limited benefit, but godliness is beneficial in every way, since it holds promise for the present life and also for the life to come." While physical health is important, spiritual health impacts our life now and the life to come. This year, as we make resolutions, let’s prioritize our spiritual health.

Paul’s goal for preaching and teaching was so “that we may present everyone mature in Christ” (Col 1:28). I want to encourage you to prioritize your spiritual growth this year and seek to become spiritual mature.

Misconceptions About Spiritual Growth

Before diving into practical steps, it’s important to address a few common misconceptions about spiritual maturity:

Myth #1: Spiritual Growth Is Automatic

Spiritual maturity doesn’t happen by accident. Just as getting older doesn’t guarantee wisdom, attending church for years doesn’t automatically make us spiritually mature. Growth requires intentional effort and commitment.

Myth #2: Spiritual Growth Happens Just by Attending Church

While attending church is essential, it’s not the sole measure of spiritual growth. Spiritual maturity involves living out your faith beyond Sunday mornings—being "sent" into the world to make disciples, serve others, and share God’s love.

Myth #3: You Can Grow Spiritually Alone

Isolation might seem appealing, but Jesus modeled a life of community. Jesus was often in the marketplace, in large crowds, and small groups. He was around His disciples all the time. He demonstrated that spiritual growth happens in relationship with others. Proverbs 27:17 says, "As iron sharpens iron, so one person sharpens another."

Myth #4: Spiritual Growth Is All About Knowledge

Knowing Scripture is vital, but spiritual maturity involves both belief and behavior. True growth occurs when we live out what we learn. As James 1:22 says, "Do not merely listen to the word, and so deceive yourselves. Do what it says."

4 Truths to Help You Grow Spiritually

If you’re ready to make spiritual growth a priority, here are four truths to guide your journey:

1. Spiritual Growth Takes Intentionality

Growth isn’t accidental—it’s intentional. You must choose to grow. Ephesians 4:13-14 challenges us to pursue maturity so that we aren’t "tossed by the waves and blown around by every wind of teaching." Reflect on this truth: You are as close to God as you choose to be.

Make commitments this year to:

• Spend daily time in Scripture and prayer.
• Join a small group or community where you can grow in accountability.
• Set spiritual goals, such as memorizing verses or completing a Bible reading plan.

2. Spiritual Growth Is Relational

Jesus summarized the greatest commandments as loving God and loving others (Matthew 22:37-39). You can’t love others without engaging in relationships. Whether it’s through small groups, mentoring, or serving in ministry, relationships are a catalyst for growth.

Of course Jesus got away from the crowds from time to time to pray and recharge. But once He was recharged, He went right back to the people He was doing life with.

As you invest in others, you’ll find that your own faith deepens.

3. Spiritual Growth Requires Discipline

Paul’s words in 1 Timothy 4:7 remind us that spiritual growth requires training. Much like physical exercise, developing spiritual habits takes effort and consistency. Begin with these foundational disciplines:

• Daily Bible Reading: God’s Word nourishes your soul and provides guidance for life. Without it, spiritual growth is impossible.
• Prayer: Communicating with God daily strengthens your relationship with Him and provides clarity in life’s challenges.

Spiritual health requires a balance between taking in and giving out. If we only consume—listening to sermons, reading books, or attending Bible studies—but never apply what we learn by serving others, we risk stagnation.

Commit to the Ultimate Upgrade

This year, challenge yourself to upgrade what truly matters: your spiritual maturity. Make commitments that lead to transformation, such as joining a group, serving in ministry, or setting daily habits of prayer and Scripture reading. Remember, God has called us to be wise and faithful managers of the gifts He’s entrusted to us.

Application Questions:

1. What specific steps can you take this year to grow spiritually and deepen your relationship with Christ?
2. How can you invest in relationships—through small groups, mentorship, or ministry—to encourage both your growth and the growth of others?
3. Are you balancing input with output in your spiritual life? What opportunities to serve can you commit to this year?