I
t is quite probable that many, if not most readers will regard the discovery of their own spiritual style as the “real message” of this book. For me as the author this is a bit frustrating, as my goal goes far beyond that. My goal is to launch a spiritual growth process that would see believers discover “unity in the faith and in the knowledge of the Son of God and become mature, attaining to the whole measure of the fullness of Christ” (Eph. 4:13).
The relationship between Level A and Level B growth: According to this graphic, the goal is not to abandon Level A (i.e. your spiritual dwelling) in order to live exclusively at Level B (i.e. interacting with opposite styles). Rather, as you experiment with other styles, you increase your ability to live out your native style with greater effectiveness and maturity. Thus, Levels A and B are in constant interrelation with each other.
The starting point of many believers is neither Level A nor Level B, but rather what is proposed in this graphic as Level 0: They haven‘t discovered their own spiritual style or they have taken over their “parents‘” style without ever asking if it fits them. For these people it would be disastrous to “jump” immediately into Level B. To get started, they must first discover their native style and feel secure in it.
What might spiritual maturity look like in your own life?
Further topics in the above chapter of the full version of the book
The business of spiritual entertainment - Different levels of maturity - Goal: a matured Level A - Childhood, adolescence, maturity - Why most Christians never reach Level B - The obstacle of "positive thinking"