How to Know You Are Growing Spiritually

When our spirit is awakened by a connexion to Jesus, it changes every part of our lives!

Considering our spiritual health is directly related to our relationship with God, there is no verbal formula to spiritual growth. Only I have institute some keys on how to grow spiritually that take helped me enjoy a closer walk with God.

When I was immature, I loved God and desired to do the right things and please Him. What I didn't do was seek keys to spiritual growth. I was more focused on seeking keys to fun and escaping the wrath and disappointment of God.

I have learned that the keys to spiritual growth are not found following some real or imagined checklist; the key is following Jesus and seeking a close relationship with the creator of the world who loves u.s.a. then much He died to give us new life.

Spiritual growth reminds me of the Katrina rose bush-league in my backyard. It is a beautiful flowering vine that many of my friends have grown in their yards. The rose's beauty inspired me to write a story most its origin.

I planted my Katrina rose several years agone anticipating the same results equally my friends' beautiful flowering vines. But my plant isn't growing, blooming, or thriving. I am tempted to compare my plant'south growth to others or pull it out of the basis and surrender.

I take to admit my expectations are unfair because I haven't invested the time, coin, or attention to help my rose exist all that it was designed for. It takes the right amount of sun, water, nutrients, and pruning for a Katrina rose to experience growth and bloom its gorgeous flowers.

Our spiritual growth requires intentional care too; a deep desire to know Jesus and emulate His life.

"Jesus said, "I am the truthful vine, and my Father is the gardener.He cuts off every branch of mine that does not produce fruit. He besides trims every branch that produces fruit to prepare it to produce even more.You have already been prepared to produce more fruit by the teaching I have given you.Stay joined to me and I will stay joined to you. No co-operative can produce fruit alone. It must stay connected to the vine. Information technology is the aforementioned with you. You cannot produce fruit alone."

John 15:1-4 ERV

Only like a newly planted rose bush requires attending, there are things we need to practise in social club to larn how to abound spiritually. When we find and follow keys to spiritual growth, we tin can blossom with the gorgeous fruits of the spirit.

A key unlocks a door and gives us admission. When nosotros obtain the keys to spiritual growth we unlock the greatest door there is…a life in the presence of God!

What does the Bible Say About Spiritual Growth?

Once nosotros embrace our identity in Christ, there are many ways to experience spiritual growth.

When we take a look at what does the Bible say almost Spiritual growth, nosotros realize growth is a critical aspect of our Christian walk that draws us closer to God and the liberty He offers.

Our spiritual growth is not what saves us or earns us God's love. Our growth is a product of spiritual transformation that comes from a determination to follow and seek Christ.

The Bible says we are saved by God's grace and because of His grace, out of overwhelming love and gratitude, we seek to grow spiritually, emotionally, and relationally.

What does the Bible say about spiritual growth? Growing spiritually is the most important, gratifying challenge that leads to growth in every other expanse of our lives.

When we chose to stay spiritually stagnant, nosotros miss the opportunity to feel a divine, close relationship with the king of kings, Jesus.

^" For it is by grace you accept been saved, through organized religion—and this is not from yourselves, it is the gift of God not by works, so that no one tin avowal." Ephesians 2:8-9 NIV

"All Scripture is inspired past God and is useful to teach us what is true and to brand us realize what is wrong in our lives. It corrects us when we are wrong and teaches usa to practise what is right. God uses it to gear up and equip his people to do every proficient work."

2 Timothy 3:16-17 NLT

What are the Elements of Spiritual Growth?

If we examine ourselves and detect signs of spiritual growth information technology encourages us to continue to grow closer to God and experience more change in our life.

On the other mitt, if we are struggling with spiritual fatigue, we can get discouraged and surrender; information technology helps to think spiritual growth is not a contest and God is non standing above us judging how we do each day.

When nosotros show signs of spiritual growth information technology is considering of deepening love for Christ and a desire to become more like Him.

Here are 8 elements of spiritual growth I take witnessed and experienced; not perfect and not all of the time. Only when nosotros understand and practice elements of spiritual growth, information technology helps us movement in the right direction.

What are the elements of spiritual growth?

We become more selfless
We adapt how we spend our time
We become more than generous with our resources
We pursue peace instead of anarchy
Nosotros choose and are willing to forgive
We experience a deepening connection in relationships
We spend more time with God in prayer and worship
We focus more on the eternal instead of the temporal

It is impossible to consistently exhibit these elements of spiritual growth on our own. Simply in Christ, when we practise these elements of spiritual growth we hold the keys to spiritual maturity and experience transformation every day.

What is Spiritual Maturity?

Spiritual maturity is non a destination just an ongoing journey.

Our physical bodies develop, grow, and mature. Our emotions and spirit can follow the same path if nosotros choose, just they can also stall and stop growing. Different physical aging, spiritual maturity must be intentional.

Not intentional in that we strive for spiritual maturity as our primary focus. Just intentional in our desire to become closer to Jesus and bear His beautiful fruit in our everyday, ordinary lives.

As our trust in God grows, we are able to surrender control, embrace our unique gifts, and experience 24-hour interval past day spiritual maturity.

We must fight the urge to compare our spiritual maturity to others; it is defeating. We must also never experience we have arrived in spiritual maturation.

To mature or grow spiritually means we continue to press into Jesus, learn, question, change and adapt. We can't help just become mature and wiser through this process.

Through this development, nosotros grow closer to God and begin to show signs that we are more like Jesus than our unchanged selves.

"God, who gets invited to dinner at your place? How practice we go on your guest listing? Walk straight, act correct, tell the truth. Don't injure your friend, don't blame your neighbor; despise the despicable. Keep your word even when it costs you, make an honest living, never accept a bribe. You'll never go blacklisted if yous live like this."

Psalm xv:one-v MSG

8 Keys to Spiritual Growth

At that place are many keys to spiritual growth, but growing spiritually starts with a want to motion away from our way of doing things to God'south manner.

When these 8 keys to spiritual growth are washed consistently, intentionally, and are heartfelt, they offer a powerful way to deepen our faith.

Key 1 Comprehend Humility & Gratitude

A humble heart is enlightened that without Jesus' sacrifice we are nothing. From that place of humility gratitude flows. It is difficult to grow if we do non begin from a place of humility.

Fundamental 2 Read the Bible

When we find that Bible reading is not an obligation but a way to larn more than almost God, His keen love, and what he wants us to do, our purpose and plans will be revealed.

Key 3 Prayer & Worship

Conversations with God through prayer and worship will have i of the greatest impacts on your spiritual maturity. If you are a new Christian information technology may seem bad-mannered at kickoff. Only the more you lot communicate with Jesus through words and music your advice and connection with God begins to period naturally.

Key 4 Spend Time with People Who are Invested in Spiritual Growth

In Proverbs, the Bible says iron sharpens iron. It is very difficult to grow alone. Find some good friends who are as passionate near post-obit Jesus every bit you are!

If we don't spend time with people invested in spiritual growth, nosotros tin can get off course and miss opportunities to share the joy and struggles that refine usa into Christ's image.

Central 5 Serve and Give

When we spend our valuable resources serving others a wonderful thing happens…we are blessed and grow in gratitude and appreciation. This is how nosotros replace our natural selfish view toward a more Christ-like selfless view.

Primal half-dozen Participate in a Church Community

A church building community is vital to spiritual growth and gives us the opportunity to practice and share the growth we feel alone with God.

Central 7 Release Things that Do Not Bring Peace or Growth

When we release people or circumstances that do not bring peace, nosotros make room for those people and things that add to our lives. I accept learned with my rose bush that it is of import to prune or 'cut off' weak branches that are drawing too much energy abroad from the health of the entire plant. After pruning, the rose bush has renewed life and begins to wait healthier.

In our lives, the same principle applies. Although it is painful and difficult to lose people, sometimes it is the only way to feel new life and continue to grow spiritually.

Key 8 Repeated Repentance

It is important to realize when our thoughts or actions are getting in the fashion of our ability to surrender and grow spiritually. The Holy Spirit reveals our mistakes to u.s., merely we must cull to acknowledge them and change.

Repeated repentance is vital to spiritual maturity. We are all imperfect people and through repentance, humility grows as does dependence on God.

Bible Verses nearly Growing Spiritually

I of the greatest resources we accept is the Bible. We can research any topic nigh our life and discover wisdom and answers.

Here are 9 verses about growing spiritually that proceed to guide and direct my spiritual growth and connection to God.

"And at present, just as you accepted Christ Jesus every bit your Lord, you must go along to follow him. Let your roots grow down into him and permit your lives exist built on him. Then your faith will grow potent in the truth you lot were taught, and you lot will overflow with thankfulness." Colossians 2:6-seven NLT
"How well God must like you; you don't walk in the ruts of those blind-every bit-bats, you don't stand with the expert-for-nothings, you don't take your seat amongst the know-it-alls. Instead, yous thrill to God's Word, you lot chew on Scripture day and night. Yous're a tree replanted in Eden, bearing fresh fruit every month, Never dropping a leaf, always in blossom." Psalms 11:1-half dozen MSG
"And I am certain that God who began the practiced piece of work inside you will keep right on helping you lot abound in his grace until his task within you is finally finished on that 24-hour interval when Jesus Christ returns." Philippians ane:6 TLB
"So, we have non stopped praying for you lot since nosotros kickoff heard nearly you. Nosotros inquire God to give you complete knowledge of his will and to requite you spiritual wisdom and agreement. Then the style you alive will ever honor and please the Lord, and your lives volition produce every kind of good fruit. All the while, you will grow as you larn to know God better and ameliorate." Colossians 1:9-10 NLT
"And so make clean house! Make a clean sweep of malice and pretense, green-eyed, and hurtful talk. You've had a taste of God. Now, like infants at the chest, drinkable deep of God's pure kindness. And so yous'll grow up mature and whole in God." 1 Peter 2:2 MSG
"I am warning you ahead of fourth dimension, beloved brothers, so that y'all tin sentry out and non be carried away by the mistakes of these wicked men, lest you yourselves go mixed up too.But grow in spiritual strength and get better acquainted with our Lord and Savior Jesus Christ. To him be all celebrity and first-class honor, both now and forevermore." 2 Peter 3:17-18 TLB
"So let united states of america stop going over the basic teachings about Christ over again and again. Let usa become on instead and go mature in our understanding. Surely we don't need to showtime again with the key importance of repenting from evil deeds and placing our faith in God. You don't need further educational activity about baptisms, the laying on of hands, the resurrection of the dead, and eternal judgment." Hebrews 6:i-2 NLT
"Therefore, since we are surrounded by such a huge crowd of witnesses to the life of faith, let u.s. strip off every weight that slows us downwards, especially the sin that then easily trips us up. And allow us run with endurance the race God has gear up before united states of america." Hebrews 12:1 NLT
"God's readiness to requite and forgive is at present public. Salvation'due south bachelor for everyone! We're being shown how to plough our backs on a godless, indulgent life, and how to accept on a God-filled, God-honoring life. This new life is starting right now and is whetting our appetites for the glorious mean solar day when our great God and Savior, Jesus Christ, appears. He offered himself equally a sacrifice to free us from a dark, rebellious life into this skillful, pure life, making us a people he can exist proud of, energetic in goodness." Titus 2:11-xiv NLT

Spiritual Growth in the Bible

Every bit office of the discussion on keys to spiritual growth, it is helpful to read and report stories about spiritual growth in the Bible. These stories took place in a fourth dimension and place very unlike from today, but with many of the aforementioned personal issues.

Information technology is amazing to me that most bible characters faced struggles and obstacles to spiritual growth, but were still used to make an touch on on the world.

Judah Repents

Judah the son of Jacob, blood brother of Joseph, and leader of one of the 12 tribes of Israel is also in the genealogical line of Jesus. But he struggled with spiritual growth but as we practice.

After losing his wife and son he promises his girl-in-law Tamar that she will marry his youngest son, only he breaks that promise.

Judah and Tamar cross paths again every bit cleaved widowers and deceivers in Genesis 38. Tamar approaches Judah as a prostitute out of desperation and becomes pregnant.

^" When Judah saw her, he idea she was a prostitute, for she had covered her face. Non realizing that she was his daughter-in-law, he went over to her by the roadside and said, "Come now, let me sleep with yous." Genesis 38:15-16 NLT

"About three months subsequently Judah was told, "Your daughter-in-law Tamar is guilty of prostitution, and as a outcome she is at present pregnant." Judah said, "Bring her out and take her burned to expiry!" Genesis 38:24 NLT

When Judah discovers Tamar's charade, he is quick to approximate her. But his mistake and spiritual growth are revealed when he is caught and accepts his part in the scandal.

"She is more righteous than I…" Genesis 38:26

Although Judah did non always exercise keys to spiritual growth and made many mistakes, he is somewhen humbled, acknowledges his wrongdoing, repents, and changes.

John the Baptist Doubts

John the Baptist was born around the same time every bit his relative Jesus. The Bible says he paved the mode for the ministry building of Christ. That is quite an impressive purpose and program for his life.

"There was a man sent from God whose name was John. He came as a witness to show concerning that light, so that through him all might believe. He himself was non the light; he came just equally a witness to the low-cal." John 1:6-viii NLT

In John 1:34 John boldly declares Jesus' divinity,

^" I have seen and I testify that this is God's Called One."

John the Baptist persevered in his mission and hitting the pinnacle of spiritual growth when he baptized Jesus and bowed in humility to announce Jesus every bit the Messiah.

"Then Jesus went from Galilee to the Hashemite kingdom of jordan River to exist baptized there by John. John didn't desire to practice it." "This isn't proper," he said. "I am the one who needs to exist baptized by you." But Jesus said, "Please practise information technology, for I must do all that is right." And so and so John baptized him." Matthew 3:13-15 TLB

But at some betoken, John is thrown into prison and facing his own mortality begins to doubt and question his purpose and Jesus' identity.

"After John was arrested, Jesus went to Galilee preaching the Message of God: "Time's up! God'southward kingdom is hither. Change your life and believe the Message." Mark 1:14-15 MSG

"John the Baptist, who was now in prison house, heard nearly all the miracles the Messiah was doing, and so he sent his disciples to enquire Jesus, "Are yous really the 1 we are waiting for, or shall nosotros keep on looking?" Matthew 11:2-3 TLB

Fifty-fifty though John knew Jesus, witnessed miracles, and alleged His majesty, he doubted; John's spiritual growth stalled. But the beautiful catastrophe to John's tale, although he was unjustly killed, is how Jesus described him.

"Truly, of all men e'er born, none shines more brightly than John the Baptist. And yet, fifty-fifty the lesser lights in the Kingdom of Heaven will be greater than he is!" Matthew 11:eleven TLB

Judah and John the Baptist experienced fear, doubt and had to overcome obstacles to grow in their faith just every bit we do. But no affair what we face up in life, walking beside Jesus and finding truthful contentment and wholeness in Him is the best life!

I promise these Biblical stories encourage you lot to continue to observe keys to spiritual growth and cling to the dearest God offers.

Before you become…What have been your keys to spiritual growth? Would love to hear about your journey of learning how to grow spiritually!

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Source: https://butterflyliving.org/keys-to-spiritual-growth/