I used to think spiritual maturity was a box I could check off. Memorize some Bible verses, show up to church, toss in a few Christian cliches, and boom–mission accomplished.
But life has a way of dismantling our tidy assumptions. Years ago, during a church group discussion, someone called me out for parroting ideas I hadn’t truly wrestled with or lived out. It stung like crazy, but that moment sparked a question I’m still grappling with: What does it really mean to grow as a Christian man? Spoiler alert: It’s not about knowing all the answers. It’s about discerning truth from error, day after humbling day. Let’s dive into why this journey matters and why faking it just won’t cut it.
The Hard Truth: Knowledge Isn’t Wisdom
For years, I confused head knowledge with spiritual maturity. I could quote Scripture, offer quick advice, and debate theology with the best of them. But when life threw me a curveball–a situation that exposed my blind spots–I realized I’d been coasting on surface-level faith. I was quick to speak, slow to listen, and even slower to admit I was wrong. My pride took a beating, but that failure was a wake-up call.
The Bible nails it in Hebrews 5:14
“Solid food is for the mature, who by constant use have trained themselves to distinguish good from evil.” That phrase–“by constant use”–is key. Spiritual maturity isn’t a one-and-done achievement. It’s a gritty, ongoing process of practicing discernment. Research backs this up: mature Christians aren’t just those who know Scripture but those who let it shape their actions, challenge their assumptions, and change their behavior. That’s where the real growth happens.
Loving Truth Takes Guts
Discerning truth isn’t for the faint of heart. It demands constant practice and the humility to admit when you’re wrong. God doesn’t call us to settle for spiritual basics or to coast on milk. He calls us to pursue solid food–to love truth enough to let it disrupt our comfort zones. That means wrestling with Scripture, not just quoting it. It means letting God’s Word challenge your assumptions, even when it hurts.
Here’s what I’m still learning: spiritual maturity is a journey, not a destination. It’s about progress, not perfection. It’s about letting God shape you, day by day, into the image of Christ. And trust me, that’s way better than faking it.
A Call to Christian Men: Don’t Settle
If you’re a Christian man wrestling with truth, you’re not alone. The call is clear: don’t settle for spiritual basics. Keep practicing discernment. Let God’s truth shape you, even when it’s uncomfortable. That’s where real spiritual maturity begins–and it’s worth every step of the journey.
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Thank you!
Jeff Hagen
President & Founder
Hill Cities, Inc.
Thanks Jeff for this important topic. Humility. Discernment. More humility.
Brian, thanks for your encouragement!