“Walk in wisdom toward outsiders, making the best use of the time.” – Colossians 4:5 English Standard Version.
“Pay careful attention, then, to how you walk—not as unwise people but as wise— making the most of the time, because the days are evil.” – Ephesians 5:15-16 Holman Christian Standard Bible.
God’s Word repeats a crucial warning in both Proverbs 14:12 and 16:25, and this repetition is no accident. It is a divine safeguard—an intentional reminder to walk in His wisdom. The ways of the world may seem appealing, but they are paths leading to destruction. Just because something looks good on the surface doesn’t mean it leads to life. Wisdom is not optional, it’s essential. We are called to walk in the light of God’s Word, which protects us from false paths that appear harmless but lead to heartache. Irish playwright and poet, George Bernard Shaw said, “Beware of false knowledge; it is more dangerous than ignorance.”
Walking in Wisdom: A Journey of Maturity
“For all who are allowing themselves to be led by the Spirit of God are sons of God.” – Romans 8:14 (AMP).
Maturity in Christ: From Babyhood to Adulthood
To walk in divine wisdom is to walk in the maturity that comes from being led by God’s Spirit. The term “sons of God” refers to spiritually mature believers—not a gender, but a state of maturity. As newborns in the faith, we are born again into God’s family and begin a journey of spiritual growth. But just like in physical growth, it is God’s desire that we do not remain spiritual infants, easily deceived and swayed by the winds of doctrine.
“Like newborn babies, long for the pure milk of the word, so that by it you may be nurtured and grow.” (1 Peter 2:2).
The Provision for Spiritual Maturity: Equipping the Saints
“And He Himself appointed some as apostles, some as prophets, some as evangelists, some as pastors and teachers…” – Ephesians 4:11-13 (AMP).
God’s Gifts to Equip the Saints
God’s plan for spiritual maturity is not left to chance. He has provided ministry gifts within the body of Christ—apostles, prophets, evangelists, pastors, and teachers—to fully equip believers for works of service. These gifts nurture spiritual growth, build unity, and help us reach the fullness of Christ’s spiritual completeness.
The purpose? To ensure we grow spiritually, become mature believers, and are no longer tossed back and forth by the storms of life and deceitful teachings.
From Spiritual Childhood to Spiritual Maturity: A Choice We Must Make
“So that we are no longer children [spiritually immature], tossed back and forth by every wind of [shifting] doctrine…” – Ephesians 4:14 (AMP).
Choosing to Grow Up in Christ
Spiritual maturity is a choice. Age alone does not define spiritual maturity. It is entirely possible to be an adult biologically yet remain spiritually immature. God calls us to continually grow in Him. We must make the conscious decision to embrace the process of growth and mature in our understanding of His Word.
There is no “finish line” in spiritual growth; it is a continuous journey, and every day we are invited to become more like Christ. [To be continued next week].
