Cultivating spiritual growth
Dr. Olawale
Scripture: Galatians 5:19-26
Exhortation
As followers of Christ, we all desire to grow spiritually. God desires us to grow spiritually and in every area of our lives. However, we need to understand what spiritual growth is and what it is not so that we are not deceived and can pursue it correctly. First, what spiritual growth is not. Spiritual growth is not determined by the title or position we hold in the church. It is not also the number of or the type of the gifts of the Spirit we operate in. Similarly, it is not the amount of time we spend in prayers or how many scripture verses we can quote. It is also not how good our preaching or teaching of God’s word is or the miracles the Lord performs through us. The Lord Jesus said clearly:
“21 “Not everyone who says to me, ‘Lord, Lord,’ will enter the kingdom of heaven, but only the one who does the will of my Father who is in heaven. 22 Many will say to me on that day, ‘Lord, Lord, did we not prophesy in your name and in your name drive out demons and in your name perform many miracles?’ 23 Then I will tell them plainly, ‘I never knew you. Away from me, you evildoers!’” Matthew 7:21-23
No matter what you do and the gift you operate in, you know you are not growing spiritually if you are carnally minded (Romans 8:5-8). To be carnally minded means you are setting your mind (thoughts) on what the flesh (self) desires instead of setting your mind on what the Spirit desires (God’s will).
“5 Those who live according to the flesh have their minds set on what the flesh desires; but those who live in accordance with the Spirit have their minds set on what the Spirit desires. 6 The mind governed by the flesh is death, but the mind governed by the Spirit is life and peace. 7 The mind governed by the flesh is hostile to God; it does not submit to God’s law, nor can it do so. 8 Those who are in the realm of the flesh cannot please God.” Romans 8:5-8
What are the fruits (behaviors) we exhibit when we are carnally minded so we can do a self-assessment?
“19 The acts of the flesh are obvious: sexual immorality, impurity and debauchery; 20 idolatry and witchcraft; hatred, discord, jealousy, fits of rage, selfish ambition, dissensions, factions 21 and envy; drunkenness, orgies, and the like. I warn you, as I did before, that those who live like this will not inherit the kingdom of God.” Galatians 5:19-21
Now that we know what spiritual growth is not, what is true spiritual growth? True spiritual growth is becoming increasingly more like Jesus. That is God’s destiny for each of His children. Like our Lord Jesus Christ, while on earth, our minds and desires must be set on doing the Father’s will, not our own. It is a mindset and lifestyle increasingly submissive to and controlled by the Holy Spirit and His desires. That is being spiritually minded and pleasing to God.
“29 For those God foreknew he also predestined to be conformed to the image of his Son, that he might be the firstborn among many brothers and sisters.” Romans 8:29
“11 So Christ himself gave the apostles, the prophets, the evangelists, the pastors and teachers, 12 to equip his people for works of service, so that the body of Christ may be built up 13 until we all reach unity in the faith and in the knowledge of the Son of God and become mature, attaining to the whole measure of the fullness of Christ.” Ephesians 4:11-13
“For I have come down from heaven not to do my will but to do the will of him who sent me.” John 6:38
How do we know if we are growing spiritually? Here are the fruits (behavior and attitude) we will demonstrate in increasing measure in our lives. Let’s do a self-assessment of our spiritual growth using the criteria below.
“22 But the fruit of the Spirit is love, joy, peace, forbearance, kindness, goodness, faithfulness, 23 gentleness and self-control. Against such things, there is no law. 24 Those who belong to Christ Jesus have crucified the flesh with its passions and desires. 25 Since we live by the Spirit, let us keep in step with the Spirit. 26 Let us not become conceited, provoking and envying each other.” Galatians 5: 22-26
To grow spiritually, it is essential to engage in key spiritual practices consistently and continually. The spiritual disciplines include daily personal time with the Lord in prayer, reading the Word, and meditating on the Word throughout the day; practicing the Word; scheduled fasting; being part of a community, including attending church services and small groups; serving; and sharing our faith. Spiritual growth is not a sprint but a marathon and a life-long journey. Therefore, plan for key spiritual practices and focus on cultivating the fruit of the Spirit.
