Spiritual Growth

Have you ever been amazed at the faith and wisdom of some believers? It seems as if God has given them a special despensation. Paul spoke of mature believers being careful not to cause new (weaker) believers to stumble. Do you have a desire to become mature in your faith?

Every young child desires to be just like their mom or dad. As a beleiver in Jesus Christ I desire to be mature and ready for the purpose in which I have been created. How does one grow spiritually? Most everyone who comes to Christ comes with a void of knowledge and little faith. I write today to encourage you the new or weak believer to become stronger and mature.

Not to place blame, but well here it comes, there has been a negilgence in discipleship for believers. Dan McNaughten a pastor and author, “Follow,” acknowledges that as an associate pastor of a large church, he found himself to never have been discipled.

So many come to Christ with the instructions to read the Gospels, begin praying, and find a good Bible teaching church. They are then left to themselves to grow spiritually mature. Jesus called believers to make disciples, to me that involves mentorign and teaching a new believer just as Jesus taught his followers.

More and more churches are getting out of the Sunday School/Life Groups programs. This is where many who embraced the church were mentored in their faith enabling them to grow spiritually.

I would encourage the new believer to become established in prayer. Jesus teaches us how to pray in Matthew 6:9-13. This is just a model. Prayer is communication with God through Jesus. Simply talk to him as you would your best friend. Share your concerns, challenges, and thank him for what he is doing in your life. Be sure to take time to listen for his voice as you pray.

Evangelist Jonathan Shuttlesworth teaches to be committed in your prayer until you have heard from God each day. As pentecostal’s we embrace praying in tongues, scripture tells us this is the Holy Spirit praying for us. Pray in your heavenly language until you have touched or been touched by God. This is an evryday practice. Who among us can maintain a relationship if we do not communicate?

Begin to keep a prayer journal. List the requests you present to the Lord and the date. As the needs have been answered list the date. As you begin to experience that God hears and reponds to your prayers your faith will be encouraged.

The Holy Bible is God’s living and breathing word. Some will tell you they never heard the voice of God. These same people most likely rarely picked up and read the Bible. The New Testament is the story of the early church and how God moved in the lives of believers. There is much wisdom and knowledge on living a life in Christ within these passages. The Old Testament provides the story of God’s chosen people and the ramifications of serving God or serving idols. Much can be gleaned from the Old Testament regarding the life God desires from the modern day believer.

Evangelist Jonathan Shuttlesworth also teaches for the believer to find a preacher that you can access their messages. Find someone on fire for God, who has evidence of the Holy Spirit empowering their life. Begin listening to their messages once a day. They will help break down spiritual truths assisting you in your spiritual growth.

If you are a long time believer who has failed to grow spiritually and desire growth, examine your life. Do you spend a substantial time in prayer, scripture, service? If you are lacking in any of these areas, this could be the reason you are stagnant. If you are not growing in Christ you are dying. When we fail to embrace everything God has for us we allow a gap in our armor where the enemy can cut us or get a hold. This will begin to fester infecting the entire body causing one to slowly die.

I have been taught that to grow one might find another whom we can mentor in their walk, find someone with whom we can relate to in our walk, and another where we desire to be in our walk. Associate with these individuals often and your spiritul growth will be enhanced.

Forsake not the assembling of yourselves together. Find a group, assembly, or church where God is glorified and his Word is proclaimed. Transformation of the lost should be key to its mission. Freedom of the Holy Spirit to move and work in lives should be evident. Embrace this group involving yourself in the service of God.

Much growth can be gleaned simply by sharing your faith and what God has done in your life with those who do not know God or have never experienced his transforming power. I have been more blessed serving those in need than I have ever been by being served. Go and share what God has given you if you desire to grow.