Christian Spiritual Growth – Measuring Spiritual Growth | 1 Corinthians 13:11
When I was a child, I talked like a child, I thought like a child, I reasoned like a child. When I became a man, I put the ways of childhood behind me.
Since our Father wants us to mature in the faith, we should stop periodically and examine our life to see if we are making progress in this area. Christian spiritual growth is a process and is measurable.
Physical growth is fairly easy to evaluate – all you need is a tape measure. But how can you tell if you are growing spiritually? Let’s begin by considering how children develop.
Today, I will discuss with you on three specific areas, desire, understanding and selflessness.
After reading through the end of this article, you will be able to examine your christian life and faith in God and can evaluate how far you are with your spiritual growth.
Desire
Have you noticed that your childhood toys no longer interest you?
Maturing process changes our desires in the spiritual realm, too. When we’re growing, the world’s pleasures lose their appeal, while our hunger for God and His Word increases.
We are eager to be with Him and share with others how He is working in our life.
Understanding
When you were young, your perception of the world was very limited. In the same way, we lack spiritual understanding when we’re new believers.
But in time, we begin to see life from God’s perspective, trials and temptations become opportunities for growth, and service for the Lord becomes an honor instead of a burden.
Selflessness
The most obvious sign of a toddler’s immaturity is his selfishness.
He wants his way, and he wants it now! hopefully that is no longer characteristic of you.
A mature believer is submissive to the Lord, willing to wait, and more concerned about others than himself.
How are you doing in these three ares of your Christian spiritual growth? Maybe it’s time to let go of a few childish ways in order to grow in to mature believer.
The greatest evidence of maturity is love. When the Lord and other people have first place in our heart, it’s then we’re most like Jesus.
I am praying and trusting in the Lord that you will grow into maturity of your faith and in your walk and relationship with the Lord.
by Paul Mondo