Growing Up Spiritually

One of the saddest things you can witness is the "lack of spiritual growth" in the life of a Believer.  Many people I know, have been Christians for years, yet they have had little change or spiritual growth in their lives and as a result they are less effective for the Lord now than they were when they first became a Christian.  It's important to know that spiritual growth doesn't happen by default.  Spiritual growth only occurs when we do what is required to grow.  God's Word gives us several insights as to why spiritual growth is necessary and how it can happen in your life.

1.  It Is A Command

Peter ends his second epistle with the command to grow in "grace" and in "knowledge."  It is only through the grace and knowledge of God that we can grow and mature spiritually.  This growth is not an option that is reserved for a "select few Christians."  The Word of God commands us to grow.  We cannot just sit still and expect growth to happen.  Peter also admonishes the believers how to grow.  In 2 Peter 1:5-8 the word tells us to add to our faith such graces as virtue, knowledge, self control, etc.  Abounding in these graces will cause us to be fruitful which implies a growth process.  All of this takes work which brings me to my second point.

2.  Growth Requires Diligent Effort

Unless there is some physical disorder, people will grow physically just by virtue of the passage of time, physical activity, and eating properly.  But just because you grow older and bigger doesn't mean you grow spiritually.  There must be effort and diligence in growing spiritually.  Two times in 2 Peter, the Apostle tells the reader to give "diligence" to their spiritual calling.  And Paul told Timothy that spiritual growth requires regular exercise (1 Timothy 4:7-8).  Spiritual growth isn't easy, you must work at it everyday!

3. Spiritual Growth is Assisted by God

Thankfully, we are not alone in our efforts to grow spiritually.  It is God who strengthens our efforts.  You and I cannot do it ourselves, we must have God to help us.  How does God strengthen us?

• He strengthens us by His Spirit in our inner man (Ephesians 3:16)
• He empowers us with unimaginable power that is in us (Ephesians 3:20)
• He provides the armor to stand strong in the power of His might (Ephesians 6:10-11)
• He strengthens us through Christ so there are no excuses (Philippians 4:13)

With God  as our helper, spiritual growth is possible.  Just as a parent helps their children to grow, our Heavenly Father will help you.

God has blessed our spiritual growth now.  It isn't something we have to wait till we get to heaven to enjoy.  Ephesians 1:3  tells us "Blessed be the God and Father of our Lord Jesus Christ who hath blessed us will all spiritual blessings in heavenly places in Christ."  Those are blessings for us today!

What kind of growth is taking place in your spiritual life?  Is it a vibrant kind of growth in which you are abounding in love, joy, and peace, being faithful and fruitful in your service to Jesus Christ?