Spiritual growth is an essential part of preparing for heaven. “But grow in the grace and knowledge of our Lord and Savior Jesus Christ. To Him be the glory both now and forever. Amen” (2 Peter 3:18). Paul described spiritual growth by saying, “But speaking the truth in love, may grow up in all things into Him who is the head even Christ” (Ephesians 4:15). The Hebrew Christians had to be reminded of the need for spiritual growth. “For when for the time ye ought to be teachers, ye have need that one teach you again which be the first principles of the oracles of God; and are become such as have need of milk,, and not of strong meat. For every one that useth milk is unskillful in the word of righteousness: for he is a babe. But strong meat belongeth to them that are of full age, event hose who by reason of use have their senses exercised to discern both good and evil” (Hebrews 5:12-15). The following are some indicators of spiritual growth.
You grow spiritually by producing the fruit of the spirit in your life. “But the fruit of the Spirit is love, joy, peace, longsuffering, kindness, goodness, faithfulness, gentleness, self-control. Against such there is no law” (Galatians 5:22-23). Love is affection, good will or benevolence toward others. Joy is gladness both received and shared with others. Peace is tranquility, harmony and concord. Long-suffering is patience or endurance. Gentleness is goodness and kindness. Goodness is uprightness of heart and life. Faith is the conviction of the truths we hold. Meekness is gentleness or mildness. Self-control is temperance. As the fruit of the Spirit increases in life spiritual growth is taking place.
You grow spiritually in increasing in love for lost souls. “I am a debtor both to the Greeks and to the Barbarians, both to the wise and to the unwise. So, as much as in me is, I am ready to preach the gospel to you that are at Rom also. For I am not ashamed of the gospel of Christ: for it is the power of God unto salvation to every one that believeth; to the Jew first, and also to the Greek” (Romans 1 14-16). Let no one around you say, “no one cared for my soul.” The Psalmist said, “Look on my right hand and see, for there is not one who acknowledges me; Refuge has failed me; No one cares for my soul” (Psalm 142:4). Pray for the Lord to use you in being a soul winner. God’s plan for evangelism is simple. One who has learned the truth must share Christ with another. “And the things that thou hast heard of me among many witnesses, the same commit thou to faithful men, who shall be able to teach others also” (2 Timothy 2:2).
You grow spiritually by faithful attendance at all the assemblies of the church. Christians must assemble faithfully, with the right attitude, having a strong desire to worship and serve God. “Let us draw near with a true heart in full assurance of faith, having our hearts sprinkled from an evil conscience, and our bodies washed with pure water. Let us hold fast the profession of our faith without wavering; (for he is faithful that promised;) And let us consider one another to provoke unto love and to good works: Not forsaking the assembling of ourselves together, as the manner of some is; but exhorting one another: as ye see the day approaching” (Hebrews 10:22-25). Faithful attendance provides an opportunity for growth and also an opportunity to edify others. Never allow yourself to be guilty of willfully forsaking even one assembly.
You grow spiritually be developing Christ-likeness. “My little children, for whom I labor in birth again until Christ be formed in you (Galatians 4:19). Christians must have the mind of Christ and follow His example. “Let this mind be in you, which was also in Christ Jesus” (Philippians 2:5). “For even hereunto were ye called: because Christ also suffered for us, leaving us an example, that ye should follow his steps” (1 Peter 2:21). The noon reflects the light of the sun. Christians reflect the light an likeness of God’s Son. Has Christ been formed in you?
You grow spiritually be developing a stronger desire to go to heaven. “This world is not my home” is part of a song we sing that contains the sentiments of this point. Paul expressed himself about his point in this way; “For me to live is Christ, and to dies is gain. But if I live in the flesh, this is the fruit of my labour: yet what I shall choose I wot not. For I am in a strait betwixt two, having a desire to depart, and to be with Christ; which is far better: Nevertheless to abide in the flesh is more needful for you” (Philippians 1:21-24). Our desire for that heavenly home must be strong. “But now they desire a better country, that is, an heavenly: wherefore God is not ashamed to be called their God: for he hath prepared for them a city” (Hebrews 11:16). Do you really want to go to heaven? And are you willing to do what is necessary to get there?
Other indicators of spiritual growth are: (1) Developing the right mind-set “If ye then be risen with Christ, seek those things which are above, where Christ sitteth on the right hand of God. Set your affection on things above, not on things on the earth. For ye are dead, and your life is hid with Christ in God. When Christ, who is our life, shall appear, then shall ye also appear with him in glory.” (2) Giving liberally and cheerfully 2 Corinthians 8:1-5; 9:7), (3) Regular, daily self-examination (2 Corinthians 13:5), (4) Gaining knowledge of God’s Word (2 Timothy 2:15), (5) Steadfast involvement in the Lord’s work (1 Corinthians 15:58), (6) Praying constantly (1 Thessalonians 5:17-18), and (7) Developing a stronger fellowship with the brethren (Romans 12:10; John 13:34-35).
You are either growing or dying spiritually. Which direction is your spiritual life headed? Obey the Gospel (Mark 16:15-16) and endure to the end (Matthew 10:22).
Charles Box
