Being a lady I have had the advantage and opportunity of being close to parents, especially mothers. I have seen how attentive and concerned they are about the growth and development of their wards(children) with an assumed time and pace for them to attain each stage of growth. From the moment of conception till birth, parents look forward to their ward's first steps, first words, and even go as far as to nurse the imagination of their graduation and wedding day in their minds. If our earthly parents can be so conscious of our growth, how much more our heavenly Father who desires above all things that we might grow into the full stature of Him in Christ?
2 Peter 3:18 (GNT) But continue to grow in the grace and knowledge of our Lord and Savior Jesus Christ. To him be the glory, now and forever! Amen.
Growing spiritually is a lifelong process of knowing and depending on God till we have grown into the full replica of Christ who is our perfect example, In our words, thoughts, actions, and the way we relate to those around us.
One of your God-given identities is "LIGHT" which means you are given the responsibility to reflect all that Christ represents to your family, community, and the world at large. Growth generally is not automatic but a gradual process ( learn more about growth as regards mindset here) it requires DISCIPLINE, COMMITMENT, AND of course the help of the HOLY SPIRIT.
Galatians 5 vs 19- 23 could serve as a spiritual indicator or gauge for your spiritual growth. The first 3 verses (19,20 and 21) are the works of the flesh(Now the works of the flesh are manifest which are these; Adultery, fornication, uncleanness, lasciviousness, idolatry, witchcraft, hatred, variance, emulations, wrath, strife, seditions, heresies, envyings, murders, drunkenness, revellings) that should be subdued on your journey to grow as they do not reflect the kind of person Christ is.
And verses 22- 23: the fruit of the Holy Spirit (love, joy, peace, long-suffering, gentleness, goodness, faith, meekness, and temperance) is what should showcase more in everything about you.
Another indicator is your level of obedience and practice of the word of God. Studying the word of God is not for the accumulation of knowledge but application of it in our life.
There's wisdom in practicing God's word and there's profit in obeying God's instruction!
BASIC BUT PROVEN WAYS TO GROW.
1. SALVATION:
"Remain united to me, and I will remain united to you. A branch cannot bear fruit by itself; it can do so only if it remains in the vine. In the same way, you cannot bear fruit unless you remain in me" (John 15:4 gnt).
The first step to growth is been planted in God through Christ; accepting the lordship and sovereignty of God by having faith in His son Jesus Christ. In Him is life that makes our growth into Godlikeness possible, without Him is to continue chasing after shadows and living a life of emptiness and depression. His life is made available through sincere repentance, confession, and acknowledgment of Him the son of God.
Take a minute right now to surrender your life to Christ ( or rededicate back to Him), and say this prayer: " Lord Jesus, thank you for dying for me, I accept I am a sinner and I repent of my sins today. Wash my sins away with your blood and give me a new life in Jesus' name, Amen". Congratulations! Welcome to God's own family.
2. A CONSTANT FEEDING ON THE WORD:
Thy Word Is a Lamp Unto My Feet and Light Unto My Path ( psalm 119 vs 105).
The BIBLE is the believer's instructional manual, a guide containing God's word, His will and of course, ways by which we can grow.
His word is nourishment to our soul; for our body, we rate at we will grow and be healthy is dependent on the amount and quality of the nutrients we consume daily, our spiritual life is no exception. TAKE IN MORE OF GOD'S WORD TO FACILITATE YOUR GROWTH. Starting with a healthy dose of 1 chapter of the Bible per day and then putting in the effort to increase the dosage as your hunger for fellowship with Him grows.
3. RETREAT/ FASTING: A retreat is a periodic moment of stillness or abstaining from all forms of distraction to be alone with God just to hear from Him and to know our current and next line of action. A retreat is important as it is a moment of spiritual screening to know where we are lacking and areas where we need to put more effort in, retreats can stretch into days or weeks but if it's properly done via fasting and prayer; an encounter with God is guaranteed.
Which of one (or all) these are you lacking? Seek God sincerely about it, after all, who else has the power to help you but Him?
