22. My practice of spiritual disciplines is not an indication of my spiritual maturity.

(Before looking at the questions below, take a few minutes to think about this statement. Invite Jesus to speak to you about what He would like you to notice.) 

WHEN YOU LOOK AT OTHERS WHOM YOU CONSIDER TO BE “GOOD CHRISTIANS,” WHAT IS IT ABOUT THEM THAT CAUSES YOU TO THINK SO?

HOW WOULD YOU DEFINE SPIRITUAL MATURITY?

WHAT ROLE DO YOU THINK DISCIPLINES PLAY IN YOU SPIRITUAL MATURITY?

There can be a tendency to assume that those who faithfully practice spiritual disciplines are more “mature” than those who don’t. But this is not necessarily true. We see in the example of the Pharisees during Jesus’ day that their spiritual disciplines did not bring spiritual maturity. In Matthew 23:25, Jesus criticized the Pharisees for having a well-disciplined life on the outside but not so much on the inside: “Woe to you, teachers of the law and Pharisees, you hypocrites! You clean the outside of the cup and dish, but inside they are full of greed and self-indulgence” (NIV).

The issue here is the difference between devotion and maturity. The Pharisees were certainly devoted. They fasted three times a week, they prayed, served, tithed, and more. If they lived in our day we could add, they sang in the choir, taught Sunday school, were on the elder board, journaled, went on mission trips, read their Bible regularly, etc.

These are outward signs of devotion but not necessarily signs of maturity. Spiritual maturity would include qualities like being kind, loving, patient, good, peaceful, gentle, non-judgmental, forgiving, full of grace, self-disciplined, humble, and so on. In Matthew 23:23 Jesus adds, “Woe to you, teachers of the law and Pharisees, you hypocrites! You give a tenth of your spices—mint, dill and cumin. But you have neglected the more important matters of the law—justice, mercy and faithfulness. You should have practiced the latter, without neglecting the former” (NIV). The “latter” here are the spiritual disciplines that the Pharisees practiced. The “former” are the qualities of spiritual maturity: justice, mercy, faithfulness, to which we can add the fruits of the Spirit mentioned above.

Spiritual disciplines should help shape us and mature us, but we can’t assume that practicing disciplines will lead to spiritual maturity. We should avoid making judgments about ourselves and others based on the practice of disciplines. Our desire and goal should be to grow in character, maturity, and our relationship with Jesus. Spiritual disciplines are a means to help us meet that goal but are not a true indication that we are achieving our goal.