What is spiritual growth?
The other day some friends were visiting us and we were talking about this spiritual growth series. I realized that spiritual growth can mean different things to different people. So I asked the question; “What is spiritual growth; what does it mean to you?
I also realized that I did not have a clear understanding of what spiritual growth was, or what it means to me.
We had a good discussion and everyone shared what they felt spiritual growth was. When everyone had finished sharing, someone asked me what it means to me. As I was listening to what everyone else had to say about spiritual growth, I saw what it means to me.
What spiritual growth means to me is a developing relationship with God the Father; with Jesus the son; and with the Holy Spirit. It is becoming more aware of them in my daily life. It is developing a walking talking relationship with them moment by moment in all kind of situations. It is also a doing relationship; you understand what God wants you to do or say and you become obedient and act.
There is another aspect to spiritual growth; it has to do with the people around you. You develop a deeper relationship with the spiritual people around you; the body of Christ.
I have often wondered about the fact that you can be a long time away from some of your Christian friends but when you do see them it is like you were never separated. This has to do with our spiritual relationship and the truth is in the spirit you were never separated for a moment.
How you recognize spiritual growth is by the fruit of the spirit; not the gifts of the spirit.
A person can have many of the gifts of the Holy Spirit active in their life and have no spiritual growth. We see all this spiritual activity and think, wow; this is a real spiritual person and what they really are; is a baby in Christ, with very little spiritual development. This does not mean their gifts are not of great value; they are and everything should be done to encourage them.
I received this comment from another friend:
Most Christians fall in the soul realm or logical realm. The thing that brings about spiritual growth is information {God’s Word} that leads to Revelation {light} that brings about Transformation {Change or Growth}. For years I was born again and just plastered over my old way of thinking with religion, until I was Baptized in the Holy Spirit. Most of the Religious thinking of today is a referral center, send the sick to doctors and psychiatrist. I am not against Dr.’s but that is logical, laying hands on the sick and obeying Gods word is not logical. Gregg Gunby