Christians Grow Spiritually, Part 1

                                     

Chuckle: While helping his wife wash the dishes, the husband protested, "This isn't a man's job!" "Oh yes it is," his wife retorted, quoting 2 Kings 21:13 (KJV), "I will wipe Jerusalem as a man wipeth a dish, wiping it, and turning it upside down."

Quote: “The most powerful agent of growth and transformation is something much more basic than any technique: a change of heart.” --John Welwood

"But grow in the grace and knowledge of our Lord and Savior Jesus Christ" (2 Peter 3:18 NIV).

Following a physical birth, the parents carefully watch their new baby to be certain he/she is growing and developing normally. At the first indication that normal growth development are not occurring, parents will do anything within their power to help the child regain a pattern of healthy growth. They will consult the best doctors and nutritionists they can find to help their child. We should have the same attitude toward spiritual growth in new Christians.

In life, growth is evidence of health. When a child is born physically, growth is normal if that child receives proper stimulation, nourishment, and exercise. Growth just happens as a by-product of health. The Bible refers to a new Christian as spiritual newborn -- a "babe in Christ." It is God's plan for each Christian to grow spiritually. It should be normal for every healthy Christian to grow.

It is important to note that spiritual maturity is not necessarily a function of chronological age. I have known elderly Christians who were still "babies' spiritually. Likewise, I have known relatively young Christians who were very spiritually mature. It depends upon the importance we place on becoming a mature Christian and letting God give the growth.

Being immature is normal for new Christians; however, being immature, and choosing to stay that way, goes against God's will for you life. Are you growing in spiritual understanding, discernment, wisdom, faith, and strength? Is it evident to those around you that God is working in your life and you are growing and becoming more and more like Jesus?

The Bible says God wants each of His children to grow in faith and spiritual understanding. Like physical parents, it is the responsibility of the church, and the more mature individual Christians, to help new Christians grow. At the same time, as we mature, each of us must take greater personal responsibility for our own spiritual growth. As we study God’s Word, spend time in prayer, and participate in ministry to others, God will bring spiritual growth.

Love, Jerry & Dotse