A Time For Spiritual Growth – Seriously, We Need It

Rev. Erik Swanson
August 10, 2025

I have to admit, the start of school snuck up on me. I thought we were still in the middle of summer, enjoying long days and slower schedules — then suddenly, teachers I know were back in classrooms and kids were returning. That shift got me thinking about growth and maturity. We expect and encourage kids to grow, yet as adults, many of us stop focusing on our own growth — especially our spiritual growth.

A Time of Growing and Maturing

The church, in her wisdom, gives us this season from Pentecost to Advent as a time of growing and maturing. Nature itself reflects this: plants, trees, flowers — like the ones our congregation member River brings from her garden for our communion table — are in full growth mode. Spiritually, this is our time to take what we celebrated at Pentecost — the gift of the Holy Spirit — and let it send us into the world as a blessing.

If Jesus Had to Grow, So Must We

This year, we’ve been walking through the Gospel of Luke, which emphasizes not only the nearness of God’s kingdom but also the work of becoming the whole people God calls us to be. Luke, in his gospel (Luke 2, 41-52) even portrays Jesus as a young boy in the temple, learning, questioning, obeying his parents, and still becoming who he was meant to be. If Jesus had to grow, then so must we.

How Would We Grade Our Spiritual Growth?

So I ask myself — and you — if you graded your own spiritual growth, how would you score? Where are you doing well? Where do you want to improve? Too often we fall into the trap of saying, “That’s just how I am” or “I can’t change now.” That’s stagnation. We all have patterns and voices from our past — sometimes decades old — that shape us in unhealthy ways. Awareness is the first step, but then comes the willingness to change. As in recovery work, we sometimes have to get “sick and tired of being sick and tired” before we act.

Growing Into the Attributes of the Spirit

Spiritual maturity is about growing into the attributes of the Spirit — peace, patience, self-control, gentleness, love, grace, compassion. It shapes how we live, listen, see the world, and view ourselves. Sadly, I often hear spiritually immature behavior from public leaders — pettiness, selfishness, exclusion. Some push regressive and oppressive ideas that strip away rights and dignity. These aren’t signs of growth, but of moving backward. A mature perspective honors equality, values both faith and science, listens without defensiveness, and considers new ideas with openness.

Applying the Lens of Spiritual Maturity

We can — and must — apply this lens of spiritual maturity to both our personal lives and the world around us. That means taking responsibility for our stuck places, seeking deeper wisdom, and being willing to change

If Jesus grew and matured, we have a clear model to follow. It’s never too late, and the need is urgent — not just for ourselves, but for the sake of the world. Today can be the day to recommit to the work of growing in the ways of God. Blessings on the journey.