✳SPIRITUAL GROWTH✳

Spirituality relies on the power of the HOLY SPIRIT to live according to GOD'S will. The HOLY SPIRIT serves to lead us into all truth (John 16:13), gives joy (Ephesians 5:18), and convicts when we sin (Ephesians 4:30). Biblical spiritual growth is about actively engaging with GOD and following His commands. It is a training program, an intentional effort to be godly, not in our own strength but through the power of CHRIST (John 15:5).

1 John 1:5-8 teaches, "...GOD is light, and in Him is no darkness at all. ... If we walk in light, as He is in the light, we have fellowship with one another, and the blood of JESUS, His Son, cleanses us from all sin. ... True spirituality depends on the supernatural power GOD gives through the HOLY SPIRIT rather than dependence on human strength.

Spiritual growth is the process of becoming more mature in one's relationship with JESUS CHRIST. Someone who is growing spiritually will become more and more like CHRIST. The spiritually mature will be able to "distinguish good from evil" (Hebrews 5:14). Spiritual growth begins the moment a person comes to faith in CHRIST and should continue until a person enters CHRIST'S presence after this life.

Spiritual growth is expected of the believer. The author of Hebrews reprimands his readers for "no longer trying to understand" (Hebrews 5:11 NIV) and "being still an infant" (Hebrews 5:13). The criticism leads to exhortation: "Therefore let us leave the elementary doctrine of CHRIST and go on to maturity" (Hebrews 6:1). The apostle Peter said, "Grow in the grace and knowledge of our LORD and SAVIOR, JESUS CHRIST" (2 Peter 3:18).

It is CHRIST'S power in the believer that gives us the ability to grow spiritually (2 Peter 2:3; Ephesians 3:20). As we rely on His power and follow His teachings, we can develop greater maturity. The intent of spiritual growth is to facilitate the HOLY SPIRIT'S inward transformation of our hearts, which is reflected through our outward behaviors. We cooperate with GOD'S work by obeying His commands. The acts of spiritual growth are meant to draw us closer to GOD. They are methods we use to "put off the old" and prepare our hearts for GOD to "put on the new" (Ephesians 4:20-24). As we make efforts to obey the directives GOD has given us, we begin to know Him more. GOD'S commands are for our good, and they reflect His character. Thus, when we follow them, we know GOD more fully and we find more satisfaction in life.

Specific practices for Christian spiritual growth include: prayer, meditating on Scripture, worship, study, silence, and service. Involvement in a church and using our spiritual gifts are invaluable to the development of maturity (Ephesians 4:11-16). We can measure our improvement in the "fruit of the Spirit." The Spirit desires to produce these qualities in us: "love, joy, peace, patience, kindness, goodness, faithfulness, gentleness, self-control" (Galatians 5:22-23).

Growth often comes through trials. "No pain, no gain," as they say. James gives encouragement: "Count it all joy, my brothers, when you meet trials of various kinds, for you know that the testing of our faith produces steadfastness" (James 1:2-4).

Because growth comes through trials, Scripture also teaches we are not to grow weary in the process. Much spiritual development is the result of persistence." And let us not grow weary in doing good, for in due season we will reap, if we do not give up" (Galatians 6:9).

It is GOD'S will that we grow to be more like JESUS. We also have the promise that the LORD will oversee our growth and bring us to maturity (Philippians 1:6).

When a believer lives by the power of GOD'S Spirit, it produces godly qualities and honor to GOD. As JESUS taught, "In the same way, let your light shine before others, so that they may see your good works and give glory to your Father who is in heaven" (Matthew 5:16). Christian spirituality is for the honor of GOD, personal maturity, and serves as a blessing to others, both through the good deeds that take place as well as a heart attitude that points others to GOD.

We are on a spiritual journey our entire lives. Everything we do and learn and accept affects our relationship with GOD. Whether we are changing for the better depends on if we are allowing GOD to lead us in our spiritual journey. Paul said the journey will take a lifetime (Philippians 1:6). The journey will only end when we see JESUS face-to-face (1 John 3:2).