One of the biggest obstacles to our spiritual growth is that we often try to change what we do instead of who we are. We are so intent on making adjustments to what people see that we forget the most important thing: what only God can see sound healing certification.
God is in the business of transforming us into the image of his Son ( Ephesians 4:13 ). He wants us to grow spiritually, and we need his help for that kind of transformation that is not superficial, but happens within us.
Let me share with you seven characteristics of true spiritual growth. Obviously, in the Word of God we find much more on this topic. But here I ordered seven aspects that reflect very well when we are in spiritual growth:
1. Spiritual growth is based on new birth.
In other words, spiritual growth is based on real salvation. We cannot speak of spiritual growth if we do not have spiritual life—if we have not been born again and have received God’s forgiveness.
In John 1:12-13 we can read about the importance of this: “But to as many as received Him, He gave the right (the power) to become children of God, that is, to those who believe in His name.” , who were not born of blood, nor of the will of the flesh, nor of the will of man, but of God.”
Your spiritual growth does not primarily have to do with your parents, friends or family being believers. It is first an individual matter, for those who have been adopted by God.
2. Spiritual growth is based on the work of the Holy Spirit.
The apostle Paul teaches us that we need to live under the influence of the Holy Spirit to grow spiritually:
“Therefore be careful how you walk; not as fools but as wise, making good use of the time, because the days are evil. So do not be foolish, but understand what the will of the Lord is. And do not be drunk with wine, in which is debauchery, but be filled with the Spirit” ( Ephesians 5:5-18 ).
The Bible teaches a lot about the work of the Holy Spirit. For example, He teaches us that He will guide us into all truth and comforts us ( John 16:13 ; 14:26 ). There is no spiritual growth in our lives if the Spirit is not working these things that only He can do.
3. Spiritual growth is based on an experiential knowledge of God’s grace.
It is very different to know things about God than to know God.
We have a lot of information about God. We know His attributes, we can quote the Word, talk about what He has revealed, but do you have a relationship with God? Do you know him privately?
Peter wrote: “But grow in grace and the knowledge of our Lord and Savior Jesus Christ. To Him be glory now and to the day of eternity. Amen”. ( 2 Peter 3:18 , emphasis added.)
The apostle speaks of growth in knowledge and grace. This grace includes the experiential aspect of having felt the forgiveness of our sins, and the deep love of God. If we do not know God’s grace in a deep way, we will not be able to share it with other people or grow.
4. Spiritual growth generates an attitude of humility.
It is contradictory to say that we are growing spiritually while being proud. If what you know about God is correct, that knowledge should lead you to reflect what God is.
God exalts the humble and has a unique passion for him. However, the Bible itself teaches that He resists the proud ( James 4:6 ).
We need to follow the example of Jesus: “Let this attitude (this way of thinking) be in you, which was also in Christ Jesus, who, although he existed in the form of God, did not regard equality with God as something to which cling, but emptied Himself, taking the form of a servant, being born in the likeness of men. And being found in the form of a man, he humbled himself and became obedient to the point of death, even death on a cross” ( Philippians 2:5-8 ).
Having all the faculties to have been born in a palace, our Lord came to be born in a manger and die for sinners, choosing the worst of deaths. Thus he modeled in us an attitude of humility.
5. Spiritual growth comes as an effect of real transformation.
God receives us as we are, but loves us too much to leave us like this.
Therefore, in Romans 12:1-2 , we read: “Therefore, I beseech you, brothers, by the mercies of God, to present your bodies as a living and holy sacrifice, acceptable (pleasing) to God, which is your reasonable worship.” . And do not conform (do not conform) to this world, but be transformed by the renewing of your mind, that you may prove what the will of God is, what is good and acceptable (pleasant) and perfect.”
In response to the gospel, we must live with transformed minds to grow spiritually.
6. Spiritual growth inspires an attitude of advancement.
When God works in our lives, He challenges us to continue growing.
The apostle Paul wrote about it: “Brothers, I myself do not consider myself to have attained it. But one thing I do: Forgetting what is behind and reaching forward to what is ahead, I press toward the goal to obtain the prize of the upward calling of God in Christ Jesus” ( Philippians 3:13-14 ).
Paul was not looking in his rearview mirrors as he advanced in spiritual growth. We need to stop living in yesterday. There are times when we are stuck, and that is why we must turn the page.
There are things that God has for us, that we cannot receive while we carry our past. We must move toward the goal of knowing Christ more and being like Him.
7. Spiritual growth promotes an attitude of service.
Our Lord Jesus Christ taught: “and whoever among you wants to be first, he will be your servant; just as the Son of Man did not come to be served, but to serve and to give his life as a ransom for many” ( Matthew 20:27-28 ).
We reflect Christ when we renounce a life centered on ourselves, and decide to help others.