Spiritual growth is a lifelong journey of becoming more like Christ, and deepening one’s relationship with God. This is a process of increasing intimacy with God. It is not something that happens overnight, but rather, it is a continuous process. Just as we grow physically, we must also grow and nurture our spiritual lives. *“But grow in the grace and knowledge of our Lord and Saviour Jesus Christ”* (2 Pet. 3:18).
Spiritual growth requires effort, commitment, and openness to God’s transformative power. The first step to spiritual growth is staying connected to God. *“I am the vine; you are the branches. If you remain in Me and I in you, you will bear much fruit; apart from Me you can do nothing”* (Jn. 15:5). This is a beautiful picture of our relationship with Christ. Just as a branch needs to stay connected to the vine to bear fruits, we need to remain connected to Jesus to live fruitful and fulfilling lives. Spend good quality time daily in prayer, Bible study, and worship to nourish your soul. The more you invest in your relationship with God, the more you will experience spiritual growth. The community of believers is also a vital part of spiritual growth. As Christians, we are not meant to walk this journey alone. Surrounding ourselves with fellow believers is key to our spiritual growth. The Bible encourages us to meet together regularly, whether in church services, Bible study groups, or fellowships as stated in Hebrews 10:25: *“Not forsaking the assembling of ourselves together, as the manner of some is…”* Community of believers offers support and encouragement in times of fear, worry and challenges. Avail yourself of this opportunity, don’t be a lone ranger this year! Spiritual growth also involves serving others. We reflect God’s love to the world when we use our gifts and skills to serve those around us. *“Each of you should use whatever gift you have received to serve others, as faithful stewards of God’s grace”* (1Pet. 4:10). Serving others is not just about doing good deeds; it is about using our abilities to glorify God and show love to those around us. It helps us grow in humility, compassion, and Christlikeness. Patience is key to spiritual growth. Spiritual transformation does not happen at once. It is a lifelong process that requires patience, trust, and perseverance. God is committed to completing the work He started in you, so trust His timing. When it feels like you are not growing as fast as you would like, remember that God’s work in you is ongoing. Don’t rush the process – embrace it.
Finally, keep your eyes on the goal – becoming more like Christ. As you grow spiritually, you will become more aware of God’s presence in your life. Your priorities will shift, your relationships will deepen, and your heart will become more aligned with His will. *SHALOM*
