Hebrews 5:11-14 We have much to say about this, but it is hard to explain because you are slow to learn. In fact, though by this time you ought to be teachers, you need someone to teach you the elementary truths of God’s word all over again. You need milk, not solid food! Anyone who lives on milk, being still an infant, is not acquainted with the teaching about righteousness. But solid food is for the mature, who by constant use have trained themselves to distinguish good from evil.
(Emphasis mine.)

Note those last words. The emphasis is on intense experience in repeatedly choosing what is right, rather than sliding into what is convenient or comfortable. I have highlighted that it says maturity comes to those who have “trained themselves.” Like the physical training an athlete endures, God and various people can instruct and inspire but without the trainee personally exerting himself, nothing will be achieved. The critical importance of intense personal involvement makes painful trials an integral part of gaining spiritual maturity.

Taken from The Spiritual Value of Suffering Trials

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