Grow Up in Christ

“But speaking the truth in love [in all things—both our speech and our lives expressing His truth], let us grow up in all things into Him [following His example] who is the Head—Christ.”
— Ephesians 4:15 AMP

What It Means to Grow Up in Christ

To grow up in Christ means moving beyond spiritual infancy into maturity, truth, love, and grace. Many Christians begin their walk with sincere faith. Yet over time, they may remain spiritually unchanged. Instead of continuing toward maturity, they stay close to the basics. Moreover, they feed only on the milk of the Word of God.

But no child is meant to remain a child forever. Kittens grow into cats, puppies grow into dogs, and believers are called to grow in grace. Over time, their lives reflect the character of Christ.

We should not be content merely to believe in Christ; we should desire to become more like Him. Spiritual growth requires more than milk—it calls us to receive and apply the meat of God’s Word.

Milk vs. Meat

In Christianity, the “milk” of the Word of God nourishes the newborn believer. It provides the foundational truths of Scripture, including the love of God, salvation, repentance, and the humanity and deity of Jesus Christ.

The “meat” of the Word is for the believer who is ready to move beyond the infant stage. They grow into their purpose in Christ. To receive and live by deeper spiritual truth requires maturity.

The meat of the Word strengthens those who are learning to walk by faith, resist temptation, understand spiritual warfare, and follow Christ. They do this with wisdom and discernment.

The Maturing Christian

The maturing Christian is not easily carried away by every new religious idea that appears. Furthermore, a growing believer learns to recognize teachings that do not agree with the truth of Scripture. They avoid them with wisdom.

False doctrine often targets those who are spiritually undernourished, drawing them away from the simplicity and power of the gospel. Instead of offering the good news of Christ to the lost, hurting, and broken, deceptive teachings often set a spider’s web for immature believers.

This is why spiritual maturity matters: it helps us stand firm in truth, walk in love, and remain rooted in Christ.

Growing Into the Image of Christ

God created us in His image to reflect His nature. Should we not desire to become more like Him? The whole world waits and groans for the revealing of God’s sons and daughters (Romans 8:19).

By His grace, we can mature as sons and daughters of the Most High. We grow in grace as we draw near to Jesus and spend time in His presence. There, our lives ripen like fruit in the warmth of His love.

Abiding in His Love

Like John, we can rest close to the heart of Christ and receive His love. As we abide in Him, we grow in righteousness, hope, faith, and love. As a result, we become mature believers who reveal His life to the world.