The elementary school definition of physical ‘growth’ is increase in the size of a body. Spiritual growth is about transformation into the image of Christ. This is not an automatic but, a gradual progression unto perfection in Christ. This is made manifest by advancement in spiritual things, which is fully reflected in the fruit of the Spirit we bear as Christians. Growing up spiritually means learning to enjoy our rights, privileges and responsibilities in Christ. It is having and applying clear and precise knowledge concerning faith.
There are basically three categories of Christians described in the Bible having their respective traits and characteristics. The first category is the Baby Christian; he is recently born again but gullible to deception on spiritual matters. He is ignorant of his rights and privileges in Christ and has need of foundational teaching and guidance. The second category is the Carnally-minded Christian who is not a baby Christian, but often acts as one because of his spiritual retardation. He exhibits dullness of hearing as he is still in love with the things of this world. He does not give the word of God its place in his life, instead he lives by his senses. It is never the will of God that a Christian should be carnal. Carnality is the result of not making any effort to grow up spiritually. The ultimate consequence of carnality is death! The third category is the Mature Christian who exhibits signs of maturity by the application of God’s word. He has adequate knowledge of His rights and privileges in Christ. He gives the word of God number one place in his heart and his life is characterized by fruitfulness. “As newborn babes, desire the pure milk of the word, that you may grow thereby” (1Peter 2:2). The word of God is the basic key to spiritual growth and maturity, it is God’s instrument for sustaining and building up His church. The word of God is exactly to believers, what food is to humans. Without God’s word, you cannot survive or make any meaningful progress in the Kingdom assignment. It is the key to our successful pilgrimage on the earth. Friend, let me say that spiritual growth is not measured by how long you have been in the faith. It does not consist of the volume of scriptural knowledge you have acquired. It does not come by the position you occupy in the church and your gifts or talents do not determine it. It has nothing to do with your age, title, education or wealth. It is reflected by the fruit of spirit manifesting in our lives.
It is God’s desire that every child of His should grow up to full stature in faith. Grow up as from today! Stop being a baby or carnally-minded Christian and start growing into a mature Christian. Your growth and flourishing will not be quantifiable in Jesus name. God bless you richly. SHALOM.
