- “Do not be deceived, God is not mocked; for whatever a man sows, that he will also reap.
- For he who sows to his flesh will of the flesh reap corruption, but he who sows to the Spirit will of the Spirit reap everlasting life.”
Galatians 6:7,8 (NKJV)
• No one grows spiritually without a deliberate and conscious effort.
- Spiritual growth is a result of consistent prayer, study of God’s word and application of the word, that is, practicing the Word (1Peter 2:2).
- Nobody can make you grow without your own personal and deliberate effort (Colossians 3:1-8).
- God may allow someone in your life who can influence you for growth; however, the person cannot make you grow (Galatians 6:1,2).
• Note: you need to plan and work for your spiritual growth (Romans 12:1-2).
- Some people have been in the Christian faith for a couple of years, they are just marking time on the same spot, without any progress (Galatians 6:7,8).
- Spiritual development and growth occur when you have a desire to pray, study God’s word, and when you put to work the word learnt (Colossians 2:6,7).
• Truths:
- Growth takes time, as it is in the physical, so it is in the spiritual (Ephesians 4:22-15).
- Another name or word for spiritual growth or development is character development or maturity.
- I have seen people, even ministers, who are power houses, strong in the anointing of the Holy Spirit and His gifts; but they are nothing character wise, one can hardly believe they are Christians (1 Peter 3:11-12).
- No one grows spiritually by laying on of hands, that is, by impartation.
- Consistent and systematic study of God’s Word, prayer and practical application of the Word of God, result in spiritual growth.
- Gifts of the Holy Spirit can be imparted and transferred from one person to another (2 Timothy 1:6); but spiritual growth cannot be imparted or transferred– it has to be worked up.
“Therefore, my beloved, as you have always obeyed, not as in my presence only, but now much more in my absence, work out your own salvation with fear and trembling.”
Philippians 2:12 (NKJV) - Your level of growth, maturity, that is, character development is a by-product of your consistency in prayer, study of God’s Word, and practice of the Word.
- “All Scripture is given by inspiration of God, and is profitable for doctrine, for reproof, for correction, for instruction in righteousness
- that the man of God may be complete, thoroughly equipped for every good work.”
2 Timothy 2: 16,17 (NKJV)
• As you plan for success in your career and pursuit in life, you equally plan for your spiritual success– growth.
- If usually you pray for thirty minutes or an hour daily last year; then you need to move up this year, to one hour or two hours– likewise in the study of God’s Word.
- You also must be a part of kingdom building– by witnessing for Christ and by using your gifts to work for God in your local church (Acts 1:8; 2Corinthians 5:18; 2Timothy1:6-8).
- You fellowship with God by conversing with Him through the help of the Holy Spirit.
- Therefore, spiritual growth or development is not accidental (2 Peter 3:18).
• Pay attention
- If you fail to develop your character it will show in the short or long run, no matter your level of attainment in the things of God– even if you are a minister of God.
- Lack of godly character, also known as carnality, can hinder you in completing and fulfilling your assignment (1 Corinthians 3:1,3;1Timothy 2:19-23).
- Samson, a Judge in Israel, ended his assignment and life shamefully; because of character defects– indiscipline.
- “Then the Philistines took him [Samson] and put out his eyes and brought him down to Gaza. They bound him with bronze fetters, and he became a grinder in the prison.
- “So it happened, when their hearts were merry, that they said, “Call for Samson, that he may perform for us.” So, they called for Samson from the prison, and he performed for them. And they stationed him between pillars.
- Then Samson said, “Let me die with the Philistines!” And he pushed with all his might, and the temple fell on the lords and all the people who were in it.”
Judges 16:21,25,30 (NKJV)
- Samson died with the Philistines without sight. He died prematurely, with ridicule and humiliation.
• God did not ordain Samson to die with ridicule, ignominy– public disgrace.
- Samson chose to follow that path; because he lacked discipline, and he failed to work on his major weakness– uncontrollable appetite for sex.
- Negative character you fail to work upon, deal with, will later deal with you– unmake you.
• However, Paul ended his assignment gloriously:
- “For I am already being poured out as a drink offering, and the time of my departure is at hand.
- I have fought the good fight, I have finished the race, I have kept the faith.
- Finally, there is laid up for me the crown of righteousness, which the Lord, the righteous Judge, will give to me on that Day, and not to me only but also to all who loved His appearing.”
2 Timothy 4:6-8 (NKJV)
• What are you doing on that character defects of yours?
- The essence of the Holy Spirit on the inside of you is to help you in your Christian walk, spiritual walk– If you yield to Him (John 14:16-18).
“But we all, with unveiled face, beholding as in a mirror the glory of the Lord, are being transformed into the same image from glory to glory, just as by the Spirit of the Lord.”
2 Corinthians 3:18 (NKJV)
• Steps to take for spiritual growth:
- Read, study, and meditate, ponder on the word God daily (Joshua 1:8).
- Practice what you read (James 2:21-25).
- Pray regularly– daily (1 Thessalonians 5:17).
- Be a part of kingdom building– use your time, talent, treasure [money] for God.
~ We are saved to serve thus share your faith with others (1 Corinthians 15:58).
~Attend fellowship– church meetings regularly (Hebrews 10:25).
~ Give to build God’s work in your local church– tithe, worship offering, offering to the ministers, project offering, offering to the needy, that is, love offering; and you also give to mission work (2 Corinthians 9:6-7).
• You will not be stagnated in Jesus’ name.
Peace!