Brothers and sisters, I could not address you as people who live by the Spirit but as people who are still worldly—mere infants in Christ. I gave you milk, not solid food, for you were not yet ready for it. Indeed, you are still not ready. You are still worldly. For since there is jealousy and quarreling among you, are you not worldly? Are you not acting like mere humans? For when one says, “I follow Paul,” and another, “I follow Apollos,” are you not mere human beings?
1 Corinthians 3:1-4

Arrested Development - when growth stops before maturity is reached.

Evidence of Corinthian immaturity = Lack of communal cruciformity

The Corinthians are blind to their condition. We are no different.

"Every day the church is becoming more like the world it allegedly seeks to change."
— George Barna

Bottom Line

The primary mark of spiritual maturity is cruciformity in community.

We are all expected to & have room to grow.

Growth is expected and takes a life time.

God’s expectation of growth is grounded in grace.

God cares more about our transformation than we do.

God is patient and knows that transformation takes time.‍

The Disciple's Journey Toward Cruciformity

1. The first sight healing: Mark 8
   
   1. Prediction 1: Mark 8
   2. Prediction 2: Mark 9
   3. Prediction 3: Mark 10
2. Second sight healing: Mark 10

Action Steps

Prayerful Reflection:

• Where am I mistaking spiritual activity for spiritual maturity?
• Where do my relational interactions reveal spiritual growth areas?
• Is there a specific area where I’m resisting cruciformity in my life?
  

Practice

Step One: Relational Cruciformity Audit

Set aside 15-20 minutes to prayerfully reflect on your closest relationships (spouse, family, friends, etc):

• Am I becoming more patient?
• Am I interacting with love & respect?
• Am I putting others needs before my own?
• Am I extending & receiving forgiveness in pursuit of unity?
  

Step Two: Close Any Gaps

Based on your prayerful reflection, take one specific step to close any cruciformity gaps that Jesus shows you.  Be sure to request Jesus’ help and do so with the strength that Jesus provides.