Growing in Grace: At Some Point, You Need to Be the Spiritual Adult in the Room

Peter begins and ends his second letter with the same call: “Grow in the grace (χάρις, charis) and knowledge (γνῶσις, gnōsis) of our Lord and Savior Jesus Christ” (2 Peter 1:2-9; 3:18). Grace and growth are the bookends of a faithful life because everything in between will require both. Peter knew from his own journey — from impulsive fisherman to seasoned shepherd — that growth wasn’t optional. It was essential.

Paul echoed this truth to the spiritually immature Corinthians:

“When I became a man, I put away childish things.” — 1 Corinthians 13:11

The phrase “put away” is katargeō (καταργέω) in Greek, meaning to render inoperative, abolish, or make idle. It’s the language of decisive transition — not dabbling in maturity but leaving behind childish reasoning and behavior to embrace spiritual adulthood.

Here’s the truth: we cannot stay the same and walk with God at the same time. Spiritual growth is not a suggestion — it’s a sacred non-negotiable.

Growth Isn’t Just for the Young

In The 5 Regrets of the Dying, Bronnie Ware notes:

“Growth is always possible. People grow immensely when faced with their mortality… The wisdom of the dying is meant to empower the living to initiate that growth now, while there’s still time.”

Don’t wait until hospice to realize you could have changed. Don’t wait until your final chapter to become who you were meant to be. Growth is the invitation of grace — and it is available today.

When It’s Your Turn to Lead

Peter urged believers under Nero’s persecution to stand firm against false teachers and hold fast to the truth about Christ’s return. But he didn’t stop there — he dared them to grow amid the pressure. Growth wasn’t just personal; it was missional.

Likewise, God is the Divine Change-Agent, shaping your story through people and situations to accomplish His purposes. The question is: are you resisting His shaping, or aligning with where He’s guiding you?

At some point, it’s your turn to be the spiritual adult in the room — to step up with courage, wisdom, and grace. That means refusing to play small or tribal. It means putting away childish ways and embracing the responsibility of your appointment.

“Maturity is not measured by age but by the willingness to grow.” — Unknown

Reflection Questions
    1.    Where is God calling you to “put away” childish thinking or behavior in this season?
    2.    How might your relationships change if you embraced the call to be the spiritual adult in the room?
    3.    What small step could you take today to align more deeply with God’s shaping work in your life?

Grace to you,
Cedric
Traditionalwriter@yahoo.com