Jesus talked in terms of being born - spiritually - again. That moment of spiritual birth is a whole new beginning, a ‘new creation’. But, as with our earthly lives, there is a long and vital process that leads us from spiritual birth to spiritual maturity. This month we are reflecting on the general pattern of spiritual growth. We are going to do it by looking at spiritual growth in parallel with normal human growth. Of course there are differences, but there are also similarities. So during July we will think about spiritual childhood, youth, adulthood and seniority.

Many of us begin our spiritual childhood when we are already human adults. That can make things difficult. While our spirits are urging us to delight in the wonder of our new-found faith, our adult sense tells us to calm down and be sensible. The same happens when we come to the stage of needing to challenge the truths that we have been taught. Our adult selves prevent us from being so ‘rude’. Also, the Church has a bad habit of being over protective of people’s faith, not allowing them to question or rebel. For these reasons, and many others, it is quite common for Christian people to get stuck in spiritual childhood - permanently dependent on the Church, never taking responsibility for their own part in God’s plan.

None the less, spiritual maturity must be our aim. Jesus sometimes used a gardening metaphor for this, “I chose you . . . to go and bear fruit - fruit that will last.” This is an image of reaching productive maturity, it is the purpose of being a Christian. It is not enough simply to be a Christian, we need be mature, fruitful Christians.