Growing Up

September 13, 2026

There is a message that needs to be shouted from the rooftops to every man and woman between the ages of 21 and 30: Grow up. In 1960, 66% of men and 77% of women had hit all five traditional adulthood milestones by age 30—leaving home, getting formal schooling, marrying, having a child, and gaining financial independence. By 2010, only 28% of men and 39% of women had done the same, and by 2026 that number is expected to fall to somewhere between 15 and 25%. We have a real maturity problem in America, and sadly, the Church has the same problem with spiritual maturity. Bible teacher Warren Wiersbe once said, “After over 40 years of ministry, I am convinced that spiritual immaturity is the number one problem in our churches.” Too many Christians think growing up just means showing up, but you can sit in the same pew for 30 years and never actually grow. Growing up in Christ is more than just showing up on Sunday morning, going to a small group, or holding a leadership position. However, 1 John 2:12–14 explains that the number one sign of spiritual health is spiritual growth. Healthy things grow, and today John shows us not just how to grow older, but how to grow up.