Spiritual Growth

As Christians, we are encouraged to grow spiritually. The apostle Peter wrote, “but grow in the grace and knowledge of our Lord and Savior Jesus Christ. To Him be the glory both now and forever. Amen” (II Pet. 3:18). Spiritual growth does not occur by accident, but rather requires effort. In the first century, the Hebrew Christians were chided for their lack of growth in these words, “For though by this time you ought to be teachers, you need someone to teach you again the first principles of the oracles of God; and you have come to need milk and not solid food. For everyone who partakes only of milk is unskilled in the word of righteousness, for he is a babe. But solid food belongs to those who are of full age, that is, those who by reason of use have their senses exercised to discern both good and evil” (Heb.5:12-14).

Since spiritual growth is an imperative, how can we insure that we are progressing in the faith? Let me offer some helpful suggestions.

Read and study the Bible every day. Demonstrate the tenacity of the Psalmist who meditated on the law of the Lord “day and night” (Ps. 1:2). Study the covenants, the major and minor prophet’s, the Gospel of Matthew, Mark, Luke, and John, the book of Acts, the Epistles of Paul, Bible characters, fundamental doctrines of the New Testament, etc. The main thing is study the Scriptures every day.

Memorize Scripture (Ps. 119:11). Try memorizing averse a day or week and see how well equipped you are in running the Christian race.

Pray regularly. The apostle Paul counseled, “Be anxious for nothing, but in everything by prayer and supplication, with thanksgiving, let your requests be made known to God; and the peace of God, which surpasses all understanding, will guard your hearts and minds through Christ Jesus” (Phil. 4:6-7).

Attend Bible class and worship regularly (Heb. 10:25).

Get involved in the work of the church. Find your niche’ in the body of Christ and get to work (Jo. 15:8). Remember, “An idle mind is the devil’s workshop.”