Are You Growing Up?
Are you growing up? Recently I gathered a few of my after school students and showed them photos from the previous year. They laughed and pointed as they noticed how little they once looked. They had grown in so many ways and it was obvious.
But how about spiritual growth? It’s not measured the same way. You can’t look at a photo to see the changes.
A Christian’s salvation is a work of God alone. We are saved by grace alone. There’s nothing we can do to earn it. It is a gift of God. Ephesians 2:8-9 says:
For it is by grace you have been saved, through faith — and this is not from yourselves, it is the gift of God — not by works so that no one can boast.
Christian growth is a call to labor. In Philippians 2:12 Paul is addressing the church at Philippi.
Therefore, my dear friends, as you have always obeyed — not only in my presence, but now much more in my absence — continue to work out your salvation with fear and trembling.
As I grow in my relationship with the Lord, spiritual maturity develops. It is a life time pursuit and one I can participate in. I study the Scriptures, pray, attend church and fellowship with other believers. Often I gain insight from more mature believers by their example and experience.
As I grow in sanctification, my heart’s desires change. People who knew me before begin to notice. I attended a reunion for my nursing school a number of years ago. I used to be a bit wild in my younger years. Although I hadn’t yet mentioned anything about my faith, one of my old friends asked me when I became a Christian. I told her and asked her how she knew. She told me I was different and since she was also a Christian …she knew.
I love that I can be diligent and participate with the Holy Spirit as I grow in my faith.
Philippians 2:13 says:
It is God who works in you, both to will and to work for His good pleasure.
He gives me all I need to grow and mature. The question is are you and I willing to participate?
- Do you see growth in your spiritual life?
- Do others notice a difference in your life since becoming a Christian?
- Are you actively pursuing activities that stimulate and nurture your Christian maturity?
Blessings and love,
Your words are so true,Debbie! I loved your comparison with our physical and spiritual growth. I loved the quote too. Thank you for sharing,I am always encouraged by your devotions.
Thank you Heather for your kind words.
“As I grow in sanctification, my heart’s desires change.”
Sometimes it’s hard to measure our own spiritual growth, but yes, looking at what we desire is one measure. Thank you, Debbie, for pointing that out; it’s helpful to me.
Yes, I can usually see changes in my desires the closer I draw closer to Him Lisa. Thanks for your comments.
I love that He promises to finish what He starts! That gives me great assurance. I am a bad finisher…but by His grace and faithfulness, it is finished…or will be in HIs time. Beautiful thoughts , Deb!
Yes Dawn, He is so faithful. I am also so thankful for that.
You are right, Debbie. We are saved by grace through faith. However God continues to shape is us so that we can reflect His love for all people.
Iris, I love that our salvation is complete immediately. But we have this life to grow in Christ. Sometimes I am a bit slow, other times I charge ahead. But I want to walk closely with Him and abide. It’s the best way!