It is as if someone prayed for you one day and you made a remarkable choice to observe Christ. In this second, you planted a seed between you and the Almighty.
Do we start a race and maintain the starting spot? Do we leave the seed to grow on its own? The seed will grow and become big one day in good conditions.
Knowing Christ is a germinating seed that calls for time and energy. God has given us the Holy Spirit so we can recognize Him more and more. You keep shifting when you start your adventure because motion enables you to attain your vacation spot.
In the Book of One Corinthians 3:6, Paul says, “I planted, Apollos watered; however, God is the one who gives the growth.” In John 15:4, Jesus assures us that we cannot grow unless we are familiar with God. The secret of spiritual growth lies within God. We are to shun sin and deepen our fellowship with God.
What is spiritual growth?
Spiritual growth is becoming more attuned to the spiritual realm and developing a stronger connection to the Almighty. It is often synonymous with personal development or self-improvement but can also expand one’s consciousness. It can involve expanding our awareness, deepening our understanding of our spirituality, and connecting with a higher power or source of guidance and wisdom.
There are many benefits of spiritual growth, but some of the most commonly cited include a sense of peace and calm, a deeper connection to one’s intuition, and an overall feeling of happiness and well-being. Pursuing spiritual growth can also lead to personal transformation on a physical, mental, and emotional level.
No matter the individual’s goal, anyone can benefit from deepening their connection to the spiritual realm.
The journey of developing Christ like nature is arduous, but with the help of the Holy Spirit, it becomes easy. The characteristics of Christlike character are many, but some of the most important ones include love, joy, peace, patience, kindness, goodness, faithfulness, gentleness, and self-control.
God does not want us to stay stagnant in one place. He wants us to keep moving and pushing our limits. His grace sanctifies us and gives us the power to seek His righteousness.
Here are some specific things you can do to work on increasing a Christlike character.
Let the Bible be your ultimate friend
2 Timothy 3:16-17. “The word is God-breathed and is a good utility for teaching, rebuking, correcting, and training about righteousness, so that the servant of God may be thoroughly equipped for every good work.”
2 Peter 3:18
But develop your understanding of our Lord and Savior, Jesus Christ. Praise be to him anyway and forever. Amen.
1 Peter 2:2-3, Hebrews 5:12-14.
Like a newborn baby, we should yearn for pure spiritual milk so that we can grow spiritually in Christ. We have tasted God, and we have found Him to be good.
2 Peter 1:5-8
“Make an effort to add to the faith of goodness and knowledge.” To this knowledge, add self-control, which results in perseverance. This brings about godliness and mutual affection and love.
The Word of the Lord is a lamp that will guide you on the salvation path. Understanding God’s Word, which shapes our discernment, is the key to growth. The Bible carries the knowledge and principles that God wants us to observe. The Word gives us a sense and practical wisdom which shapes our moral and spiritual values. You increase your measuring and productivity when you get qualities from the Bible.
We will be better equipped to follow His example as we learn more about who Jesus was and what He did. We can read the Gospels and other books about His life and look to contemporary Christians who strive to live like Jesus did.
Get to interact with other brothers
Ephesians 4:13-16
“Also, let us consider how to work up each other to cherish and act of kindness, not forgetting to meet up, as is the habit of some, but encouraging one another, and even more as you see the day moving closer.” -Hebrews 10:24–25 ESV
“And they devoted themselves to the apostles’ teaching and fellowship, to the breaking of bread and prayers.” – Acts 2:42 ESV.
Two things are happening here. First, we are to consider one another. The word “consider” carries the idea of thinking carefully about someone or something. In this context, it means thinking about one another in a way that will stir up love and good deeds.
We are to encourage one another. The word “exhort” means to encourage, urge, or warn. It is a call to action. We are to inspire one another to love and do good.
Why is this so important? We grow spiritually by working with others in the ministry and encouraging each other. This is because when we encourage one another in love and good works, we are helping each other to grow closer to God and become better people.
Additionally, meeting together regularly helps keep us accountable and makes it easier to spot when someone is struggling and in need of help. Love others as Christ loved us. This is the foundational characteristic upon which all others must be built.
Find time for a secret place
“Rejoice always, supplicate consistently, express gratitude in all conditions; for this is the desire of God in Christ Jesus for you.” – 1 Thessalonians 5:16-18
Prayer is essential for Christian growth because it is how we bring our concerns and requests before God. We are also asking Him to guide us and give us wisdom. Fasting is a form of self-denial that helps us focus on God. When we fast, we deprive ourselves of food or other things we enjoy.
Prayer and fasting help us grow closer to God and deepen our relationship with Him. They also allow us to develop self-control, discipline, and wisdom. As we spend more time talking to Him and seeking His face, we learn more about who He is and how much He loves us. We also understand His will for our lives and how we can best serve Him.
Pray and forgive those who have hurt you. Unforgiveness can poison our hearts and damage our relationships. But when we forgive others, we show them the same grace and mercy God has shown us.
My prayer for spiritual growth
Father, I long for spiritual growth. I want to be deep in our relationship with you and others. God, I want to understand and apply your Word to my life. Could you help me to be more like Jesus every day?
I know that spiritual growth doesn’t happen overnight. It’s a journey that takes time, effort, and discipline. But it’s a journey that is so worth taking. Please guard my heart and help me defeat the power of sin. Give me energy and help me not become feeble.
So please help me, Father, to take the necessary steps to grow spiritually. Help me be diligent in my Bible study, prayer, and worship. It will help me surround myself with people who will encourage and challenge me to grow. In Jesus Christ, do I pray and trust ?Amen.
Prayer for a Greater Understanding of Grace
Father, thank you for Your Word, which assures me that Your grace is sufficient for me. You are rich in mercy and manifold in grace. I humbly ask that You would grant a greater understanding of the grace that You have lavished upon me.
For I know that I am saved by grace, not by works, but it is often difficult for me to comprehend the full extent of your love and forgiveness.
Help me grow in my understanding of Your grace so that I can rejoice even more fully in the hope of eternal life that you have given us through Christ Jesus our Lord. Amen.