What is spiritual maturity, and why is it important for us as followers of Christ Jesus? The Bible tells us in Genesis 1 that man is made in the image and likeness of God and is “very good.” Mary Baker Eddy elaborates in Science and Health with Key to the Scriptures: “Man is God’s reflection, needing no cultivation, but ever beautiful and complete” (p. 527).
So, spiritual maturity is the recognition and fulfillment of our divinely bestowed perfection. But as we learn from many Bible characters, it requires growth in the understanding of God and man to demonstrate this perfection in our daily lives.
Moses, for example, is one of the most prominent figures in the Old Testament. His life story shows him emerging as a leader, liberator, and lawgiver. Yet he had to grow into these roles, because his behavior as a young man was not always exemplary. In an angry, immature response to injustice, he killed a man.
