Understanding Spiritual Growth

Introduction

What does it take to grow up and become spiritually mature? Why do some Christians not grow as they should?

The Bible makes it clear that we can grow in our faith and in holiness.

It is not a linear path, where we are continually helpless and have no part to play.

God tells us we can make steps forward towards him, and is always calling us closer, deeper into His ways.

Keywords

Babies are immature physically and mentally, but we expect them to develop. If they don't, there is a problem.

When one is "born again" as a child of God, he is spiritually immature. As time passes, he should develop the qualities or abilities which the Bible says characterize the mature. A congregation matures as individual members mature.

Scriptural Position On The Subject

Many Scriptures describe the need to grow and mature spiritually:

Ephesians 4:14,15 - Be no longer children, but grow up in Christ.

2 Peter 3:18 - but grow in the grace and knowledge of our Lord and Savior Jesus Christ.

2 Thessalonians 1:3 - The Thessalonians grew exceedingly in faith.

Philippians 1:9 - Paul prayed for their love to abound more and more.

Many problems result when members fail to grow: some go back to the world, others cause strife because of ignorance or become stumblingblocks because of irregular attendance, worldliness, or indifference.

Let us now look at the steps to Christian maturity or in other words, Steps to Christian growth.

Step 1

*Meditation. Bible study. Prayer. Solitude. Worship. Community. Confession. Fasting.*

These are non-negotiable for spiritual maturity and continued intimacy with God. People who struggle with consistency and intimacy in their walk with God are the ones that constantly place everything ahead of God. Spiritually mature Christians do not allow time or busyness to be excuses.

They find time. They create space. They make whatever sacrifices necessary to live a spiritually disciplined life.

Step 2

Step two deals with qualities that one must strive for in other to become a mature Christian:

*Faith, goodness, knowledge of God from His Word, self-control, perseverance through hardships, godliness (imitating Christ), mutual affection for other believers and for the Church, doing our best to love other people (both Christians and non-Christians).* 1 Corinthians 13

Mature Christians don't sit idle in their faith, and assume God will do all the work inside them, when God has clearly called them to "make every effort" to draw near to Him.

Step 3

We need to guide our words, thoughts and deeds.

spiritual maturity comes through being more careful about the words we say. Ephesians 4:29, 4:2-3 take us further.

Conclusion

If you long to mature in your faith in Christ, live in these verses. (Thus, the aforementioned). Pass everything else that you do in your Christian life through them.

Walking in humility, gentleness, patience for others. Keep a careful guard over your mouth and your online posts.

Hope this will help you become a mature and better christian.. God bless you...