The Place of Spiritual Growth in the Christian Life (part four)

I'm no longer stumbled by the lack of spiritual growth I've observed in myself and in others. There was a time I'd observe a longtime Christian, perhaps a leader or an elder in the Church, and I'd bristle at their flaws. Maybe they

Like this tree, we can be prickly and still grow

were petty, egotistical, insensitive, bad listeners, prickly -- they just didn't seem to be as mature as they should be. Hmm, could I be describing myself?

I have a good excuse for them and me: if we didn't know the Lord, we would be much worse. As bad as I am now, I would be really bad if I didn't know Jesus. Unfortunately, all Christians (and non-Christians) are stuck with a fallen body and mind. In this life, our fallen flesh insures we're not going to be perfect -- not even close! When Jesus returns, Christians will be given a brand new resurrection body and brain that will be sin-free and perfect. Until then, Christians are in a lifelong war between their fallen flesh and their regenerated "born again" spirit. The good news is that the regenerated spirit (heart) is powerful and a significant key to our steady growth. We'll talk about regeneration later. 

Occasionally in this series, I'll throw in a tip for spiritual growth. Here's tip #1: read the Bible every day, even if it's only a small passage. This doesn't guarantee growth, but by not reading the Bible, you will certainly stagnate spiritually. Psalm 1:2-3 describes the person whose "...delight is in the law [word] of the Lord and on his law he meditates day and night. He is like a tree planted by streams of water that yields its fruit in its season, and its leaf does not wither."

Spiritual growth involves more than simply becoming more virtuous and well-behaved morally. Certainly it's a good thing to sin less and less, but there are many other kinds of growth. For instance, God wants us to become wiser and more knowledgeable of Him and His kingdom. Similarly, we should aim to know Him on a personal level more deeply each day. Also, we should aspire for a stronger faith (belief) in Him. So, spiritual growth is multifaceted.

Tip #2 comes to mind: spiritual growth is more likely to happen when we ask God to help us grow. The prayerful reading of God's Word will surely result in more wisdom, knowledge, stronger faith, and a closer relationship with Christ. Petition-type prayer is crucial if you want to grow in wisdom. James 1:5-8 (ESV) says, "If any of you lacks wisdom, let him ask God, who gives generously to all without reproach, and it will be given him. But let him ask in faith, with no doubting, for the one who doubts is like a wave of the sea that is driven and tossed by the wind. For that person must not suppose that he will receive anything from the Lord; he is a double-minded man, unstable in all his ways."

Oops, this blog isn't supposed to focus on the "hows" of growth. Oh well. In the next post, we will get back to the four "now" results of the Gospel, analyzing the awesome reality of justification. Lord bless.