There Are Levels to This: Maturity in the Faith

Let’s be real for a moment:
There are levels to spiritual maturity.

Not every believer is in the same place—and that’s okay. That’s truth. Some are babes, just starting out. Some are children, learning to walk. Others are young warriors, training for battle. And then there are the seasoned ones—the mothers and fathers of the faith—who have weathered storms, walked through fire, and emerged with wisdom as their crown.

None is more “valuable” than the other. The babe is just as important as the elder. But here’s the key: you’re not meant to stay a babe.

“For everyone partaking of milk is inexperienced in the word of righteousness, for he is a babe. But solid food is for the mature whose senses have been trained by practice to discern both good and evil.”
— Hebrews 5:13–14 (TS2009)

Babes in the faith drink milk—and they need it. It’s their start. Their nourishment. Their foundation. But if you’ve been walking with YHWH for years and you’re still getting offended by correction, still neglecting prayer, still depending on others to feed you spiritually... that’s no longer growth. That’s stagnation.

Some of us should be teaching by now. But instead, we’re still waiting for someone to hand us a bottle and change our spiritual diapers.

Growth Isn’t Optional—It’s a Command

Spiritual growth is expected—just like in the natural world. Babies are a blessing, but they’re not meant to remain in diapers forever. Imagine a full-grown adult crying for milk, refusing to learn or take responsibility. Spiritually, that’s how some of us appear when we resist growth.

Let’s take inventory:

• Are you spending more time scrolling social media than studying Scripture?

• Are you more entertained than edified?

• Are you letting the Word convict and transform you—or are you skimming it for comfort?

“And do not be conformed to this world, but be transformed by the renewing of your mind…”
— Romans 12:2 (TS2009)

You can’t microwave maturity. You have to sit in the fire for it. You can’t expect discernment when you only pray in crisis. You can’t lead others to the feet of the Messiah if you haven’t learned to stay there yourself.

Everyone wants a platform—but not everyone wants the process.
Everyone wants the calling—but few want the crushing that comes with it.

Maturity Costs Something

Growth takes time. And real obedience? It’s inconvenient. It confronts your comfort, your preferences, your pride. But the reward? It’s rich. It’s eternal. And it’s so worth it.

Here are some honest questions to reflect on:

• Am I still on milk when I should be eating meat?

• Have I made time with YHWH a non-negotiable part of my day?

• Am I learning under spiritually mature leaders—or isolating myself?

• Am I willing to feel uncomfortable in order to grow?

“Brothers, do not be children in understanding, but in evil be babes, and in understanding be perfect.”
— 1 Corinthians 14:20 (TS2009)

Don’t Stay Where You Started

Babes. Children. Young warriors. Mothers and fathers in the faith. We each play a part in the Body of Messiah. But we are all called to grow.

This journey isn’t about staying where you started. It’s about becoming who you were created to be. That means leaving behind immaturity, pressing deeper into His presence, and embracing discipline that refines you.

Because here’s the truth:

• You can’t teach what you refuse to learn.

• You can’t fight what you won’t train for.

• And you can’t claim maturity if you reject the growth it requires.

It’s time to grow.
It’s time to choose.
Not what feels good, but what feeds you.

Let’s rise—level by level—into maturity in the faith.