The Road Map to Maturity: Growing from Spiritual Infancy to Christlike Wisdom

Hello, fellow believers! In a reality that's spinning faster than ever with cultural shifts, political upheavals, and moral confusion, it's easy to feel lost. But praise God, He hasn't left us without direction. Today, I'm excited to share a message inspired by the Apostle Paul's words in 1 Corinthians 2:14–3:1. I've called it "The Road Map to Maturity," because these verses provide a clear, biblical guide for every Christian to navigate from worldly thinking to the profound wisdom of Christ. As conservative Christians, we're called to stand firm on Scripture amid the storms of secularism—whether it's defending the sanctity of life, upholding traditional family values, or resisting the tide of relativism. Let's dive in and see how Paul's ancient words speak directly to our modern lives.



 Understanding the Natural Man: Blind to Spiritual Truths


Paul starts by describing the "natural person" in verse 14: "The natural person does not accept the things of the Spirit of God, for they are folly to him, and he is not able to understand them because they are spiritually discerned." This is the unsaved individual, relying solely on human intellect, emotions, and experiences. To them, the core tenets of our faith—like the virgin birth, the atonement on the cross, or the resurrection—seem like fairy tales or outdated myths.


Think about it in today's context. We've all encountered friends, family, or colleagues who scoff at biblical principles. They might champion "progressive" ideas like gender fluidity or abortion rights, viewing our conservative stance as backward or intolerant. But Paul reminds us it's not about winning arguments with clever rhetoric; it's a spiritual issue. Without the Holy Spirit, the Bible's truths are veiled. It's like trying to tune into a radio station without an antenna—you get static, not the signal.


If you're reading this and haven't yet experienced the new birth in Christ, this is where your journey begins. Jesus said in John 3:3, "You must be born again." Surrender your life to Him, repent of your sins, and invite the Holy Spirit to illuminate your heart. That's the starting line on this road map.


The Carnal Christian: Saved but Stunted


Moving forward, Paul shifts his focus to believers who are "people of the flesh, as infants in Christ" (3:1). These are genuine Christians—redeemed by grace—but they're acting like spiritual babies. The Corinthian church was a prime example: they had the gifts of the Spirit, but they were mired in division, immorality, and worldly pursuits. Paul couldn't feed them solid food because they were still on milk.


Does this sound familiar? In our conservative Christian communities, we often excel at doctrinal purity—opposing same-sex marriage, advocating for school choice to protect our kids from indoctrination, or supporting pro-life legislation. And that's vital! But carnality creeps in when we let fleshly attitudes take over. Maybe it's bitterness toward political opponents, gossip in the church foyer, or prioritizing Fox News over Bible study. I've seen it in my own life: getting fired up about election results but neglecting personal prayer time.


One story comes to mind from a men's Bible study I led. A brother was adamant about Second Amendment rights and biblical manhood, yet he confessed to struggling with anger at home, snapping at his kids over minor issues. He was saved, but stuck—carnal, not mature. The road map urges us to grow up: "Put away childish things" (1 Corinthians 13:11). We do this by confessing sin, immersing ourselves in God's Word, and yielding to the Spirit daily. As conservative believers, let's not just defend the faith externally; let's live it internally, producing the fruit of love, joy, peace, and self-control (Galatians 5:22–23).


The Spiritual Man: Discerning with the Mind of Christ


Ah, the destination! Paul describes the "spiritual person" in verses 15–16: "The spiritual person judges all things, but is himself to be judged by no one. 'For who has understood the mind of the Lord so as to instruct him?' But we have the mind of Christ." This mature believer is Spirit-led, able to discern truth in a deceptive world. They're not swayed by popular opinion or cultural fads; they evaluate everything through Scripture's lens.


In our era of fake news, cancel culture, and ideological battles, this discernment is crucial. A spiritual Christian can spot the flaws in critical race theory or environmental extremism that contradict God's sovereignty over creation. They vote biblically, parent intentionally, and witness boldly. Heroes like William Wilberforce, who fought slavery through faith-driven action, or contemporary figures like Franklin Graham, who speaks truth to power, embody this maturity.


But how do we get there? It's not overnight—it's a journey of discipline. Start with daily Bible reading (try a plan like reading through the Bible in a year). Pray fervently, seeking the Spirit's guidance. Surround yourself with accountable, mature believers—join a small group or mentorship program. And apply what you learn: stand for truth at work, in school board meetings, or on social media, always with grace seasoned with salt (Colossians 4:6).


 Following the Road Map: Practical Steps for Today


To wrap this up, here's a simple action plan based on Paul's road map:


1. **Examine Yourself**: Are you natural, carnal, or spiritual? Be honest—use 2 Corinthians 13:5 as your mirror.

   

2. **Feed on Solid Food**: Move beyond surface-level devotionals. Study books like Romans or Proverbs deeply. Resources like John MacArthur's commentaries or apps like YouVersion can help.


3. **Walk in the Spirit**: Galatians 5:16 is key—make it a daily prayer: "Lord, help me not to gratify the desires of the flesh."


4. **Discern and Engage**: In our conservative calling, let's judge cultural issues righteously. Oppose evil, but love the lost. Share the Gospel amid debates on transgender policies or religious freedom.


Brothers and sisters, the road to maturity is narrow, but it's rewarding. It leads to deeper joy, greater impact, and eternal crowns. Don't settle for infancy—press on!


If this resonates, share your thoughts in the comments. How has God grown you in maturity? Let's encourage one another.


In Christ,  

DMMC

2-6-26

Location: Peru, IN 46970, USA

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