HOW TO GROW SPIRITUALLY

Without a doubt, growth is necessary in all areas of life in order to be successful. Whether on the job or in scientific research, whether in technology or education, growth is a prerequisite for prosperity. No place is this more evident than in the life of a Christian. Peter taught, "grow in grace, and in the knowledge of our Lord and Savior Jesus Christ. To Him be glory both now and forever" (2 Pet. 3:18).

With all the hindrances to living a godly life it would only make sense to look for ways of improving our "graceful growth" in the Lord. I challenge you to think on these areas with me as we try to grow as God wants us to and then apply them to your life that we "may grow thereby" (1 Pet. 2:2).

CONSTANTLY EXAMINE YOURSELF.

Paul urged the Corinthians to"Examine yourselves, whether ye be in the faith; prove your own selves. Know ye not your own selves, how that Jesus Christ is in you, except ye be reprobates?" (2 Cor. 13:5). We should always measure ourselves in relationship to Christ. Have there been improvements in my knowledge? Do I have the same zeal that I had when I first became a Christian? Do I set good examples to everyone I come in contact with? Am I trying to improve my circumstances or conditions that will enable me to grow? How would you have to answer these questions?

GET YOURSELF ACTIVE IN YOUR LOCAL CONGREGATION.

There is no better place to begin your quest for growth. Offer your services to the elders in what ever form it is needed. The greatest source of satisfaction and joy is to aid the flock that you are a part of. Have the desire that Isaiah had; "Here am I, Send me!" (Isa. 6:8). Be an encouragement rather than a discouragement. Be a builder instead of a destroyer. Don't criticize, but rather we should always support sounc, scriptural efforts.

SURROUND YOURSELF WITH GODLY PEOPLE.

Spend time daily with people who can assist you in your growing. Understand that people I associate with will go a long way as to how I mature in the Lord. Paul said, "Be not deceived: evil communications corrupt good manners" (1 Cor. 15:33). Always understand that where a man's heart is, his affections will be as well (Matt. 6:21).

AVOID ANYTHING THAT WILL HINDER YOU.

Stay away from things that take your mind away from godly things. Don't allow anything to come before the Lord! Our daily lives can offer many troubles, trials, and temptations, but we must not let them cause us to despair (2 Cor. 4:9ff). Do not allow laziness to affect your growth. Just as physical growth would be affected by lazy, effortless lifestyles, so is the life of a Christian (1 Tim. 4:8).

STOP THE DRIFT!

Sometimes our minds wander. Sometimes our lives are hectic and the "rat race" too much to handle. Sometimes we lose sight of the real issues at hand and before we know it we have drifted out to sea. We didn't feel it, but it happened nonetheless. We didn't necessarily want it to, but it did anyway. We used to sing an old song that said, "You are drifting too far from the shore, You are drifting too far from the peaceful shore. Come to Jesus today, let Him show you the way, you are drifting too far from the shore." We must constantly keep our attention on the "shoreline". We must know where Jesus Christ is (and where He is not) and where He so desparately wants me to be. "Set your affections on things above, not on things of the earth, for ye are dead, and your life is hid with Christ in God" (Col. 3:2,3).

FINALLY, PRAY EVERYDAY!

How long has it been since you prayed alone? How long has it been since you talked to God about your life? About your family? About your fears? How long has it been since you asked God to help you? How long has it been since your talked to God? We are instructed to, "Pray without ceasing" (1 Thes. 5:17). Prayer will change lives!

Are you growing in the Lord?

By Rodney Britton, in The Cartright Caller, via. Gospel Power, Vol. 8, No. 32, August 19, 2001

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