What is Spiritual Growth?
If you can’t overcome a problem, manage it; that’s what Robert Schuller said in his book. But, how does one handle the feeling of wanting to be a boy and not a girl? I have struggled with this for many years; I always wanted to be a boy. My friends. 80% were mostly male, and I couldn’t even keep a relationship with a girl. But what does the illustration have to do with explaining what Spiritual Growth means?
It simply means having a full understanding of who you are in Christ; becoming more and more like Him. It is a life-long process of comprehending your relationship with Christ, and it spans until death. A Christain can only grow spiritually by maintaining a relationship with the heavenly father.
Here are five signs to watch out for solid spiritual growth:
1. A controlled speech
2. Priority on heavenly things
3. Do not discriminate or segregate among people
4. Loves to give and does not grumble.
5. Enjoy fellowshipping with God’s people
Now, back to my story, I will explain some strong Indicators every Believer must check out in his/her life; this will help you know you are growing spiritually.
I wanted to be a boy; I didn’t like the fact that I was born a girl with so much responsibility, such as cooking, cleaning the house, and what have you. Call it laziness, but I was seriously lazy that the way out was; maybe being a boy will help me. I have watched the freedom my brothers have; they don’t have to think about cooking, not all times, though, but I have to. My mother ensures I do that, but I hated it. I would murmur, fight her, and often complain when cooking.
It was easy for me to sit down with my laptop for hours, never worrying about hunger as long as there are light and internet connection. But, mummy complained each day; and I didn’t like it at all. She would be like, “As a lady, you can’t do without entering the kitchen to cook; won’t you marry? Will you starve your children and husband because you are doing something online?
In my mind, I will reply with this “Maybe, I shouldn’t marry at all. Who cooking help?” (Laughs…) I would frown at her complaining, but deep down, I wasn’t happy with it. It had become a habit of hers, so I decided to change. It wasn’t comfortable to sit down for hours just to cook and avoid the food from getting burnt, but my brother, especially the eldest, didn’t make things better.
Whenever I am “gingered” to cook, I will do so happily, but those brothers of mine never stop complaining. They won’t appreciate the effort put in, and I would go back to my room, saying “I am done, really done. Let them starve; it doesn’t concern me.”
But deep down in all my complaints, God was working in me, a process that took time. As a child of God, your peace with others matters, and since I didn’t like my mother complaining and my brother’s attitude. Don’t laugh at my next statement.
Every morning or at night, I would talk to God about it. This was how the conversation went:
Me: God, you know I didn’t want to be a girl? But, I am trying to accept the fact that I am
God: Silent…
Me: Now that I am trying, they want to frustrate me, is it by force to do all these things? I don’t like it at all, and I don’t like cooking; I just want to be an Internet guru, is that so bad?
God: Silent…
Me: (After a while…) But God, deep down; I feel I can’t run away from it forever; I know I can’t. Just give me grace. Let me find going to the kitchen enjoyable. Holy Spirit, Just help me.
Me: It becomes easy when you help me; I don’t know how my mother does it; she does it well. I really can’t change who I am, but I can accept what you created me to be. Just help me
It was a struggle for years many nights, the prayers (short) kept going, and I didn’t see a change; but I never stopped praying. I wondered how those who are caterers do it; they are heroes to me, but I understood that everyone has something they love. While mine was to be an Online Personality glorifying God, others find joy cooking. That joy was what I prayed for each day.
To get that joy isn’t hard; God’s grace was sufficient, so I tapped into it. I know well in my country, some things are inevitable; and being a lady, you can’t run from being in the kitchen (except you want to stay unmarried)
How do I know I am growing Spiritually?
Simply put, using my story, how was I able to know something was changing within me as regards finding kitchen life enjoyable?
I didn’t know when the change happened, it just happened, and one day I smiled. My orientation was changing gradually about it, I was able to do what I love (Internet stuff), and my mother stopped complaining. With my brothers, I decided just to allow them to be; perhaps their criticism is going to be helpful for growth.
Since this article is targeted to Spiritual growth, let me ask you a few Questions about Spiritual growth?
3 Questions on Spiritual Growth every Believer should answer
Does the Bible bore you while reading?
If yes, you are not growing spiritually. You should delight in reading God’s word, always.
Are you mindful of your speech to others?
Paul the Apostle said, if any man offend not in words; the same is a perfect man. As believers, you may offend another with words; but always be ready to make amends; and do not offend intentionally. It is not a sign of spiritual growth.
Do you enjoy God’s presence and with his people?
The Bible admonishes us never to forsake the assembly of God’s people; not for attendance sake; but for accountability and fellowship
5 Strong Indicators of Spiritual Growth
1. Controlled Speech: One of the indicators for Spiritual growth is the ability to control the words you say. Proverbs 10:19 says: In the multitude of words, there wanteth not sin, but he that refraineth his lips is wise. A maturing Believer or a matured Believer shuns negative speech during trying circumstances. Your words are seasoned with grace, and they are life to those who hear you. You offer comfort, and your speech is more of faith than fear. Read more in this post: All Round Jesus
2. Your Priority is on Heavenly things: The Bible says: Take no thought for what you shall eat or drink; for your heavenly father will surely provide. It also tells us to cast our affection on things above and not on earth, for we have no continuing city here, but we seek one to come. A mature Christian is more concerned about pleasing God than amassing wealth and fame. While this might not be easy, the grace of God is much more sufficient
READ: 25 IMPORTANT BIBLE VERSES ON SPIRITUAL GROWTH
3. Putting away Segretarian Spirit: Do you segregate? Some say, I like this church more than this; I love this pastor than this. Well, there is no segregation in the Kingdom; we are all of Christ. Paul, the Apostle, wrote in one of his books about contention in the House of Chloe; when some say I am of Paul and others Apollos, he charged them, saying, “Are we not of Christ?” A mature Christian does not segregate; because what matters is not the messenger but the message they preach.
When someone preaches Christ, honors Christ, and live a lifestyle that portrays Christ, fall in love with them. Gbile Akanni said; When you believe your group is the best, that’s foolishness. There is no competition on the race to Heaven.
4. Having Faith in God: Do you want to know if you are growing spiritually? Then, when you have faith in God by yourself, faith that believes you can receive from God without running to your pastor every moment; you are growing. While it is suitable for people to join you in prayers when troubles come, as a growing Christian, you must also learn to win your war on bended knees. The Bible says: If thou can believe, all things are possible unto you. Have Faith in God for yourself, develop a relationship with him; this is a sign of growth.
5. Service, Love, and Giving life: Do you always want to serve others and not be served? Read Mark 10:45. Do you love others honestly with all your heart as Christ did? Are you happy giving to others, or do you grumble? All these indicate whether you are growing spiritually or not. Spiritual Growth is revealed in your choices and deliberate actions.
Remember my story at the beginning; when the change happened; I didn’t know at first but as the Bible says By our fruits we shall be known; to know about your growth spiritually, it is easy. Follow the steps above
27 Responses
Thank you very much for putting this on your blog, thus making accessible for anyone.
I must confess, I was touched by your personal story. (This is my first visit to your blog)
In addition to signs of Spiritual growths, I will like to make a few contributions, having been inspired by your story.
1. Being able to forgive ones offender and to relate with them, just as one does, ever before the offence came in.
2. Forgetting ones self in serving others. (Though, not to the extent of losing ones peace and salvation)
3. Finally, I will say brokenness is one of the great signs of Spiritual growth; i.e. not excusing ones misconduct or sin. (A broken Spirit and a Contrite heart God will not despise).
Thank you.
It is an honor to have you visit for the first time and thank you for leaving behind a comment
Your added points are also indicators of spiritual growth
I hope readers will add this to their knowledge base
Thank you for sharing sir
Hummm…. inspired
I am glad to hear that
It is a privilege to share this with everyone
I appreciate
I so agree with all of these questions and indicators you describe! It is so important to measure our spiritual growth by our heart and we do that by looking at our thoughts, words and actions. The ability to be transparent and authentic as you share your story and in your relationship with others also reflect how we are growing/maturing spiritually. Thank you for your post!
Thank you for reading, it was tough sharing my story, but I am glad it was helpful.
Thank you for connecting Stephaine, thank you a lot.
I really love this post. Thank you for being so transparent. It is so true how God uses others to grow us in our faith and our spiritual journey. Blessings, Joni
Greeting my friend, and thanks for your comment
I do hope your website is now live; thank you so much for reading…
I could so relate to your dislike of cooking. Not my strength, either. Thank you for sharing about the importance of spiritual growth and also how to obtain it!
Blessings! 💗
Not our strength either in cooking. Thank you for reading, Blessings also..
Love your post, and especially the 5 signs of spiritual growth. Number 3 particularly spoke to me. Thank you for allowing God to use you share this word
Thank you for reading, Elizabeth.
I was glad number 3 spoke to you
God bless you richly
I love this so much! So many takeaways! Thank you so much for sharing! God bless you always! Please keep writing, we are blessed by it!
An interesting read, Victory. The way you applied truths from your life and experience is really appreciated. God bless you.
I agree with you on not loving to cook! But when we entrust ourselves to God, he changes our hearts and helps us have a good attitude even while doing things we don’t care for.
Thank you for being so honest with your struggles. I love your points about monitoring spiritual growth as well. God bless your writing!
Amen, and yours too
Thanks
Thank you for sharing your story. Blessings to you …
And, thank you for reading mine.
Blessings…
What a fascinating life story God has given you to encourage others. It’s so important that we keep ourselves in check to make sure we are growing in our walk with the Lord. Thanks for sharing.
Thank you so much for your kind words, Adriane.
Yes, we should keep ourselves in check daily. Always
I think spiritual growth is a life long process especially for those who were raised in a Christian home. Good post!
I agree with you; we keep growing in Christ. Our home is the starting point; and it affects all areas of our lives
Segregation in the body of Christ has been in my heart for the last few days. It’s so sad we have this in the body. Thanks for writing this
I’m so thankful that God can work in our lives even when we are struggling in things that are not our favorite.
Very practical tips 🙂 I definitely agree that controlling our words is something that is so important in our spiritual life and also something that seems to be under represented as a virtue. Thank you for sharing.