Christian spiritual growth begins with the recognition of one's need for God's grace and salvation through Jesus Christ. This initial step is often referred to as conversion or being "born again." From there, believers are encouraged to continually seek a deeper understanding of God's Word and to apply its teachings to their lives. The process of spiritual growth involves surrendering one's will to God and allowing the Holy Spirit to transform one's thoughts, attitudes, and behaviors. It requires a commitment to ongoing learning, self-examination, and repentance from sin. Christians are also encouraged to engage in regular fellowship with other believers, as community plays a vital role in spiritual growth.
Christian spiritual growth is not a linear process but rather a lifelong journey. It involves both moments of breakthrough and seasons of struggle. It is a process that requires patience, perseverance, and reliance on God's grace. Ultimately, the goal of spiritual growth is to become more Christ-like, reflecting His love, compassion, and character in all aspects of life. This progression facilitates a more effortless representation of Him in the public sphere.
Sign of stagnancy.
In the Bible, spiritual stagnancy is often referred to as a state of being lukewarm or complacent in one's faith. It is a condition where an individual's spiritual growth and fervor for God's Word and His will diminishes or becomes stagnant. This state is seen as a warning sign, as it hinders one's relationship with God and their ability to fulfill their purpose. One bib In Revelation 3:15-16, Jesus addresses the church in Laodicea, saying, "I know your deeds, that you are neither cold nor hot. I wish you were either one or the other! So, because you are lukewarm—neither hot nor cold—I am about to spit you out of my mouth." This passage illustrates how being lukewarm, neither fully committed nor completely disinterested in one's faith, is displeasing to God. It signifies a lack of passion, zeal, and dedication to the things of God. The Laodicean church had become spiritually complacent, relying on their material wealth and self-sufficiency rather than relying on God.
Another biblical reference that highlights spiritual stagnancy is found in the parable of the barren fig tree in Luke 13:6-9. In this parable, Jesus tells of a fig tree that had been planted in a vineyard but failed to bear fruit for three years. The owner of the vineyard wanted to cut it down, but the gardener pleaded for one more year to cultivate and fertilize it. If it still did not bear fruit, then it would be cut down.
This parable symbolizes the spiritual stagnancy of individuals who fail to produce the fruits of righteousness and godly character in their lives. It represents a lack of spiritual growth, maturity, and transformation. Just as the fig tree was given a chance to bear fruit, God gives us opportunities to grow and produce spiritual fruits, but if we remain stagnant, there are consequences. Overall, biblical references portray spiritual stagnancy as a state of being lukewarm, complacent, and unfruitful in one's faith. It is a warning sign that calls for self-reflection, repentance, and a renewed commitment to pursuing a vibrant and growing relationship with God.
Steps to Spiritual growth of a genuine Christian.
Confession and Repentance (Salvation): To embark on the journey of spiritual growth, one must first confess that Jesus Christ is the savior, acknowledge and confess sins to the LORD, and repent from iniquities through His grace and mercy (1 John 1:9, Acts 3:19).
Renew Your Mind (Change Your Mind-Set): Align your mindset with godly principles, rejecting worldly desires. "Do not love the world or the things in the world..." (1 John 2:15-17).
Separation for Holiness (Separate to Reunite): Separate yourself from negative influences and foster connections with God-fearing individuals. "Do not be conformed to this world but be transformed by the renewing of your mind..." (Romans 12:1-2).
Establish a Prayerful Life: Develop a consistent prayer life, seeking communion with God. "Pray without ceasing" (1 Thessalonians 5:17).
Practice Obedience (Practice with the Sword): Act on the teachings of the Bible, committing to a life of obedience to God's Word. "But be doers of the word, and not hearers only..." (James 1:22).
Discover and Use Your Spiritual Gifts (Dig Out Your Talents): Identify and employ the spiritual gifts bestowed upon you for positive impact. "As each one has received a gift, minister it to one another..." (1 Peter 4:10).
Engage in Praise and Worship (Praise and Worship GOD): Regularly express praise and worship to God as a vital aspect of spiritual growth. "Make a joyful noise to the Lord, all the earth!" (Psalm 100:1).
Endure Trials for Spiritual Strength (Endure the Pains): Embrace trials as opportunities for spiritual growth and endurance. "Count it all joy when you fall into various trials..." (James 1:2-4).
Fasting for Spiritual Discipline: Engage in fasting as a discipline, learning from biblical examples like Moses, Elijah, and Jesus (Matthew 4:1-11). Fasting helps to avoid distractions and focus on spiritual growth.
Immerse Yourself in the Scriptures (Eat Up Your Bible): Dedicate time to intense Bible study, allowing the Holy Spirit to guide understanding. "However, when He, the Spirit of truth, has come, He will guide you into all truth..." (John 16:13). Meditate on God's Word (Constant Meditation): Regularly meditate on Scripture to let the Word of God reform your soul. "Blessed is the man who meditates on His Law Day and night" (Psalm 1:2).
Signs of Spiritual growth.
The progression of spiritual maturity is akin to the blossoming of holy responsiveness, as indicated by various biblical principles. begins with a personal relationship with God through faith in Jesus Christ. This relationship is nurtured through prayer, worship, and studying the Bible. As we spend time with God, we grow in our knowledge of Him and experience His presence in our lives. The evidence of this growth in your life is not confined to the subsequent points:
Physical manifestation of fruit of the Spirit: Galatians 5:22-23 describes the fruit of the Spirit as love, joy, peace, patience, kindness, goodness, faithfulness, gentleness, and self-control. Spiritual growth is evidenced by the development of these qualities in our lives. As we grow closer to God, His Spirit works within us to produce these virtues.
Increased love and compassion: The sign of spiritual growth is often marked by an increased capacity to love and show compassion towards others. This includes not only those who are close to us but also those who may be different or even considered enemies. Jesus taught his disciples to love their enemies and pray for those who persecute them. "But I say unto you, love your enemies, bless them that curse you, do good to them that hate you, and pray for them which despitefully use you, and persecute you" (Matthew 5:44).
Deepened faith and trust in God: Spiritual growth involves developing a deeper faith and trust in a higher power, surrendering control and relying on divine guidance. The prophet Jeremiah wrote about trusting in the Lord with all your heart and leaning not on your own understanding. "Blessed is the man that trusteth in the LORD, and whose hope the LORD is. For he shall be as a tree planted by the waters, and that spreadeth out her roots by the river, and shall not see when heat cometh, but her leaf shall be green; and shall not be careful in the year of drought, neither shall cease from yielding fruit" (Jeremiah 17:7-8).
Obedience and holiness: Spiritual growth involves living a life of obedience to God's commands. Jesus said, "If you love me, keep my commands" (John 14:15). As we grow in our love for God, we desire to live in a way that pleases Him and reflects His holiness. This includes turning away from sin and pursuing righteousness.
Endurance and perseverance: Spiritual growth is not always easy, and it requires perseverance. James 1:2-4 encourages us to consider it pure joy when we face trials, knowing that they produce endurance and maturity in our faith. As we navigate challenges and difficulties, our faith is strengthened, and we grow in our dependence on God.
Increased gratitude and humility: When "you put on therefore, as the elect of God, holy and beloved, bowels of mercies, kindness, humbleness of mind, meekness, longsuffering" it often leads to a greater sense of gratitude for life's blessings and a recognition of one's own limitations and need for God's grace. The Psalms are filled with expressions of gratitude and humility, such as Psalm 103:2-5 and Psalm 139:23-24. Hence, spiritual growth embodies the qualities of humility and gentleness in Christian life (Philippians 2:3-4, Colossians 3:12).
Greater sense of peace and contentment: As spiritual growth progresses, individuals often experience a deep sense of peace and contentment, regardless of external circumstances. The Apostle Paul wrote about experiencing peace that surpasses understanding (Philippians 4:7) and contentment in all situations (Philippians 4:11-13). Likewise, render the attractions of this world meaningless in your perspective (1 John 2:15-17).
Benefits of Spiritual growth in Christian life.
Many people claim to follow Jesus and call Him their Lord and Savior, but only a few are willing to commit to the discipline and sacrifices required for spiritual growth. True spiritual growth requires a willingness to let go of worldly desires and attachments, and to prioritize a relationship with God above all else. It is not enough to simply confess Jesus as Lord; one must also actively seek to align their thoughts, actions, and desires with His teachings. Spiritual growth often involves facing and overcoming personal weaknesses, temptations, and struggles, which can be challenging and require perseverance. The benefits are:
1. "Oh, the depth of the riches of the wisdom and knowledge of God! How unsearchable his judgments, and his paths beyond tracing out!" - Romans 11:33. There will be spiritual growth that would allows for a deeper understanding of GOD beyond human description. 2. "Submit yourselves, then, to God. Resist the devil, and he will flee from you" – (James 4:7). Through spiritual growth, It would be easy to resist and gain authority to silence the noise from demons or the Devil.
3. "But those who hope in the LORD will renew their strength. They will soar on wings like eagles; they will run and not grow weary; they will walk and not be faint" – (Isaiah 40:31). The spiritual strength and maturity acquired will make it easier to navigate the challenging path to heaven than never.
4.There is consequence of being lukewarm and carnal as a Christian, this make one to become the enemy of God as stated in (Romans 8:6; Revelation 3:15-16), " For to be carnally minded is death; but to be spiritually minded is life and peace… I know your deeds, that you are neither cold nor hot. I wish you were either one or the other! So, because you are lukewarm—neither hot nor cold—I am about to spit you out of my mouth". But with spiritual growth, one is less likely to become lukewarm, Agnostic, or Atheist when faced with life's storms.
5.Psalm 23:6 stated, "Surely goodness and mercy shall follow me all the days of my life, and I shall dwell in the house of the LORD forever." The spiritual growth in Christian life did not only brings the power of the LORD, but also peace and mercy as lifelong companions.
The rewards of spiritual growth are so amazing, however, far outweigh the temporary sacrifices, as it leads to a deeper connection with God, a transformed life, the fulfillment of one's true purpose, victorious Christian living, and life eternal.