2. What is the right view about gaining spiritual maturity, and why?

² There is also a growth for Christians from spiritual childhood into spiritual adulthood, Christian maturity. This spiritual maturity is not an unattainable, elusive goal, nor something to be reached only by a select few. Just as physical maturity is anticipated as a natural attainment for living creatures, so spiritual maturity should be anticipated and sought after by every Christian “babe.” It is within the reach of all who put forth the needed effort. One’s place of residence, experience, abilities or educational background are not the determining factors. The apostle Paul exhorted Christians who had not yet become spiritual adults to “press on to maturity.” (Heb. 6:1) In order to do so they first had to recognize their true spiritual condition and then work to make progress.

For this reason, now that we have left the primary doctrine about the Christ, let us press on to maturity, not laying a foundation again.”​—Heb. 5:12–6:1.

6. How might some today be in need of similar admonition?

⁶ Are there any among us who have been associated with the Christian congregation for years and yet are not able to teach others the basic doctrines of the Bible? After years of association with God’s people, do some still have difficulty in letting their conscience distinguish right from wrong? Do they still want others to make decisions for them in matters of conscience? Any who find themselves still needing instruction in the basics of Christian teaching and living should certainly be working hard to acquire maturity. Christians should not be like builders who never get beyond the foundation of the building, the “foundation” in this case being elementary or primary doctrines about Christ. They should press on to complete the building or the superstructure that rests upon that foundation, namely, the more advanced teaching about God’s purpose as revealed through his Son.