From Pastor Tom - Sensible Spiritual Growth

Did you know spiritual maturity is within reach of all of us?  Spiritual growth is very practical and gradual.  Every person can become spiritually mature regardless of their current spiritual level.  To take the mystery out of spiritual growth all we need to do is break down spiritual growth into three practical components for everyday life. 

1.  Form Good Habits

Paul compared training for the spiritual life to the way athletes prepare themselves and stay in shape.  1 Corinthians 9:26 says, “I don’t know about you, but I’m running hard for the finish line.  I’m going to give it everything I’ve got.  No sloppy living for me!  I’m staying alert and in top condition.” (Msg)  The path to spiritual fitness is as practical as the way you become physically fit.  It involves training and personal discipline.

Anyone can become physically fit if he or she will regularly do certain exercise and practice good health habits.  Likewise, spiritual fitness is no mystery.  It is a simple matter of learning certain spiritual exercise and being disciplined to do them until they become habits.

These habits include:  prayer, quite time with God, Bible reading and obedience to what God reveals to you.  Forming good habits and sticking with them is a key element of spiritual growth.

2.  Allow for Time

There is no instant spiritual maturity.  Some books lead you to believe the myth that a person can have instant maturity – but it just is not true.  There is not one book, a tape, a revival or a conference that will instantly transform a person into spiritually mature Christian.  The truth is; spiritual growth is a gradual process of development.  Just as it takes time for a baby to grow into an adult – it take time for one to grow spiritually mature.

“Grow in the grace and knowledge of our Lord and Savior Jesus Christ.”  2 Peter 3:18 (ESV)

Although God could instantly and miraculously change us into a mature believer, He has chosen to develop us slowly and teach us one lesson at a time. 

3.  Maintain a Daily Relationship with God

The most important thing to remember is that spiritual growth is based on the relationship God.  Here is what Jesus said in Luke 9:23 “If anyone would come after me, let him deny himself and take up his cross daily and follow me.”   You can not grow spiritually without growing closer to Christ.     

There is no instant spiritual maturity but there is a life development process that can lead to a spiritual mature person.

Blessings,

Pastor Tom