You’ve probably heard people described as “spiritual giants,” especially when they’re pastors, missionaries, or believers known for their faithfulness or impressive works. But have you ever wondered: does the Bible actually talk about spiritual giants? Or is this another tradition we’ve adopted along the way?
What the Bible Actually Says
Interestingly enough, the Bible doesn’t use the phrase “spiritual giants” at all. Instead, it emphasizes something quite different—Christ likeness, which I’d like to call “Christ size”.
Maturity, Not Spiritual Giants
The Bible clearly speaks of spiritual maturity, and all of those are with respect to understanding the word of God, not about who they are in the spirit.
For instance, Hebrews and Corinthians discuss “spiritual infants” versus mature believers who can handle deeper truths:
“But solid food is for the mature, who because of practice have their senses trained to discern good and evil.” (Hebrews 5:14)
“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.” (1 Corinthians 3:1)
Notice the contrast isn’t between “babies” and “giants,” but rather between immaturity or unrenewed mind (worldly, flesh-driven thinking) and maturity or renewed mind (Spirit-driven, Christ-like thinking). Maturity is about how about how much you know who you are in the spirit, or mind renewal, not about how you are in the spirit. So, those who call themselves spiritual giants, are you saying that you are complete in this understanding?
Why the Idea of “Spiritual Giants” Can Be Problematic
The concept of a “spiritual giant” creates unnecessary tiers and levels in Christianity. It implies some believers have access to special anointings or extraordinary spiritual privileges. (Read this). This isn’t biblical. Scripture emphasizes that every believer, through Christ, has full access to God:
“There is neither Jew nor Gentile, neither slave nor free, nor is there male and female, for you are all one in Christ Jesus.” (Galatians 3:28)
This means every believer is equally valuable, equally empowered, and equally mature in their spiritual identity in Christ.
Every Believer Has the Fullness of Christ
The Apostle Paul clearly says:
“For in Christ all the fullness of the Deity lives in bodily form, and in Christ you have been brought to fullness.” (Colossians 2:9–10)
Notice Paul doesn’t say you’ll eventually become “giants” in Christ. He says you already have the fullness of Christ! Every believer already possesses the complete spiritual resources and maturity found in Jesus.
Spiritual Maturity is Christ-Likeness, Not Giant Status
Instead of striving for spiritual “giant” status, we’re called to simply grow in Christ-likeness, or renew our mind. The Bible teaches us to:
- Grow in grace and knowledge (2 Peter 3:18).
- Renew our minds (Romans 12:2).
- Reflect the character of Christ (Galatians 5:22–23).
Maturity is about deepening your understanding of the gospel and consistently walking in the Spirit, not about achieving some elite spiritual status.
Stop Comparing—Start Growing
The moment we categorize people as giants and infants, there is a comparison to one another, by which it is unbiblical. We haven’t been asked to compare us to one another but to Christ.
Let’s stop comparing ourselves or others to imaginary “spiritual giants.” Instead, let’s embrace the biblical reality: Every believer is fully equipped, fully loved, and fully mature in Christ. Growth isn’t about becoming a spiritual celebrity; it’s about growing more aware of the incredible identity we already have in Jesus. The Apostle Paul emphasizes that it is God who causes the growth, and we are all dependent on Him for our spiritual development (1 Corinthians 3:6-7; Colossians 2:19). Our focus should be on Christ and His finished work, not on comparing ourselves to others or striving to become “spiritual giants.”
Forget being a spiritual giant—just be who you already are in Christ!
Call to Action (CTA)
Stop chasing giant status. Start living in the fullness you already have in Jesus.
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