Paul’s stated intent in his letter to the brethren in Colossae was to “present every man complete in Christ” (Col. 1:28). He mentions, in the context of this phrase, the means to help them grow in spiritual maturity—“proclaim Him [Jesus], admonishing every man and teaching every man with all wisdom” (Col. 1:28). Ignoring the chapter divisions, Paul goes on to show what spiritual maturity looks like.
He begins chapter two speaking about his concern for the brethren. He speaks to the “great struggle” he has had on their behalf (v. 1). Paul lists a great deal of his struggles in his letter to the Corinthian church (2 Cor. 11:23-28). We have no record of some of the events he listed in that struggle. When he states, “Apart from such external things, there is the daily pressure on me of concern for all the churches,” we can clearly see that in his works and in his writing (v. 28). While not everyone will struggle to the degree that Paul has, he does set an example for the level of concern and effort we should make on behalf of the church (1 Cor. 11:1).
After speaking about his concern, even for those “who have not personally seen [his] face,” he begins to talk about the heart. He says that they have been “knit together in love” (Col. 2:2). This is another passage that shows how love for Christ and love for each other overcomes the social issues of cultural diversity. The mark of spiritual maturity is when one can see Christ in his brother/sister and the souls of those in darkness (Gal. 3:26-29). Based on Paul’s opening remarks, the church in Colossae was already known for its love (Col. 1:4).
Another mark of a mature Christian is “the wealth that comes from the full assurance of understanding” (Col. 2:2). Where doubt destabilizes belief, conviction solidifies a rock-solid faith. In mature faith you see the wealth that comes from an unwavering understanding in knowledge. It is a conviction based on evidence, facts and spiritual understanding. The wealth of this conviction pours over into the lives of others as an example to those growing in faith. If you have ever doubted anything, you know the wealth that comes from an unwavering conviction.
That conviction results in “a true knowledge of God’s mystery” (Col. 2:2). Paul spoke earlier in this letter of the mystery—that he was a minister of the mystery, the church and the riches of His glory, Christ in you (Col. 1:25-27). Spiritual maturity comes with an understanding of the wisdom of God, one’s place in the kingdom and the work that is at hand. We get to share the greatest message that ever could be heard!
All of these things are the marks of spiritual growth. We are all on that path to becoming complete in Him.