Growth is a characteristic of a living thing and is referred to as progressive development.1 After birth what usually follows is growth or death. In our spiritual life, the same is true. When we are born again in Christ, we must grow up into Him otherwise we will experience Spiritual death.
Spiritual growth should be experienced by the congregation as a whole and also as individuals. Let’s notice Ephesians 4:11-15. Growth is described in this text in various ways. When we are united in Christ and have the knowledge of the Son of God we will grow to maturity (Biblical perfection). We will grow to the measure of the stature of the fullness of Christ and unlike Children, we will not be tossed about by every doctrine that comes our way but we will be well-grounded and firm in Christ.
Some of the factors that affect our spiritual growth include;
1: The desire to grow
The love of God is perfect love. Because of this love, He created us as free moral beings who can choose to either love their creator or not. However, God through Christ has bound humanity to Himself by a tie of this perfect love that any power cannot break save for the choice of man himself.
Watch and pray that nothing can make you not choose to love your creator back. Develop a longing for the word of God and enthusiasm to grow into Christ. When you hunger and thirst after righteousness you shall be filled. (Mathew 5:6)
2: Environment
What you are exposed to by the environment you are in will always influence you. The kind of music you listen to, the movies you watch, the books you read, and the influence of family and friends affect your spiritual growth. By beholding you become changed. (2 Corinthians 3:18) Focus on Christ who alone is perfect and you will slowly but surely be morally assimilated to His likeness.
3: Nutrition
Nutrition is very fundamental when it comes to growth. Without a proper diet, malnutrition will follow, and probably death afterward. In our spiritual life, we need to constantly feed on the word of God in order to be spiritually nourished. As newborn babes, desire the pure milk of the word, that you may grow thereby. (1 Peter 2:2)
Spend more time in Bible study2. Go on God’s errands and as the Israelites were told, keep this Book of the Law (The Bible) always on your lips; meditate on it day and night, so that you may be careful to do everything written in it. Then you will be prosperous and successful. (Joshua 1:8)
Like the Psalmist hide the word of God in your heart so that you may not sin against Him. (Psalm 119:11)
4: Patience/Time
Physical growth is a process that develops as time goes by. The same is true about our spiritual growth. We become spiritually mature over time. God reveals Himself to us with just a bit of what we can handle. Do not expect to reach spiritual maturity overnight but let patience have its perfect work, that you may be perfect and complete, lacking nothing (James 1:4).
Do not be discouraged by your mistakes;
- Moses had a bad temper yet he is described as the meekest man
- David committed adultery yet he was a man after God’s own heart
- Abraham was a liar yet he is the father of faith
- Peter denied Jesus yet he had walked with Him for 3 years as His disciple
These men of God had the same battle with sin to fight just as we do. They were subject to like passions like we are ((James 5:17). They needed the same grace that has been extended to you and me in order to live holy lives. Abide in Christ and He will abide in you. He is the vine and we cannot bear fruits separate from Him. (John 15:5)
Trust in God & rest in Him. He is able to keep that which you have committed to Him (2 Timothy 1:12). If you leave yourself in His hands; He will bring you off more than conquerors through him who loved you. (Romans 8:37)
If Christ is dwelling in our hearts, He will work in us “both to will and to do of His good pleasure.” (Philippians 2:13). We shall work as He worked; we shall manifest the same spirit. And thus, by loving Him and abiding in Him, we shall “grow up into Him in all things, which is the head, even Christ.” (Ephesians 4:15)
May the God of hope fill you with all joy and peace in believing so that by the power of the Holy Spirit you may abound in hope.
