Measuring Your Spiritual Growth
Knowing AND Doing God’s Word
As Christians, we are called to grow in our faith and become more like Jesus Christ. This lifelong process, known as sanctification, is not always easy to measure. How can we tell if we are truly making progress in our spiritual journey? Pastor Bart Blair's sermon offers valuable insights into this question, emphasizing the importance of both knowing God's Word and putting it into practice.
“As followers of Jesus, we should be increasing in love for God and others.”
—Bart Blair
The Difference Between Knowing and Doing
It's easy to fall into the trap of thinking that biblical knowledge alone is sufficient for spiritual growth. We may pride ourselves on our ability to recite scriptures, understand theological concepts, or engage in deep discussions about faith. However, as Pastor Blair points out, there is a significant difference between knowing the Bible and living out its teachings.
In his letter to the Philippians, Paul writes, "Do nothing out of selfish ambition or conceit, but in humility count others more significant than yourselves. Let each of you look not only to his own interests, but also to the interests of others" (Philippians 2:3-4). This passage reminds us that true spiritual maturity is not just about what we know but how we treat others. It's about putting aside our own desires and considering the needs of those around us.
The Fruit of the Spirit
One of the clearest indicators of spiritual growth is the presence of the fruit of the Spirit in our lives. In Galatians 5:22-23, Paul lists these qualities: love, joy, peace, patience, kindness, goodness, faithfulness, gentleness, and self-control. When we are truly growing in our faith, these characteristics should become increasingly evident in our thoughts, words, and actions.
Pastor Blair challenges us to conduct a self-assessment based on the fruit of the Spirit. He suggests rating ourselves on a scale of 1 to 10 for each quality, with Jesus being a perfect 10. By honestly evaluating our own lives, we can identify areas where we need to focus on growth and transformation.
It's important to remember that exhibiting the fruit of the Spirit is not about striving for perfection or comparing ourselves to others. Rather, it's about allowing the Holy Spirit to work in us and through us, shaping us into the image of Christ. As we surrender our lives to God and seek to follow His ways, He will produce this fruit in us.
The Importance of Love
One of the most crucial aspects of spiritual growth is our capacity to love. In 1 John 4:7-8, we read, "Beloved, let us love one another, for love is from God, and whoever loves has been born of God and knows God. Anyone who does not love does not know God, because God is love." This passage makes it clear that love is not just a nice idea or an optional extra in the Christian life. It is a fundamental requirement for anyone who claims to know and follow God.
Pastor Blair emphasizes that our love for God and others should be increasing as we grow in our faith. He asks us to consider whether we are more loving today than we were a year ago, five years ago, or ten years ago. If we find that our love has not grown or has even diminished, it may be a sign that we need to refocus on our relationship with God and our commitment to serving others.
Perseverance Through Trials
Another significant indicator of spiritual maturity is our ability to persevere through trials and difficulties. James 1:2-4 says, "Count it all joy, my brothers, when you meet trials of various kinds, for you know that the testing of your faith produces steadfastness. And let steadfastness have its full effect, that you may be perfect and complete, lacking in nothing." This passage reminds us that trials and challenges are not obstacles to our spiritual growth but opportunities for us to develop greater faith, endurance, and character.
Pastor Blair points out that our spiritual maturity is often forged in the furnace of trials. When we face difficult circumstances, we have a choice: we can either turn away from God in anger and frustration, or we can lean into Him and trust that He will use these experiences to shape us and make us more like Jesus.
The Role of Daily Devotions and Serving Others
In addition to these indicators of spiritual growth, Pastor Blair offers practical suggestions for cultivating a deeper relationship with God and becoming more like Jesus. One of these is the practice of daily devotions. By setting aside time each day to read God's Word and pray, we can develop a greater hunger for spiritual truth and a closer connection with our Heavenly Father.
Another way to grow in our faith is by serving others. Pastor Blair encourages us to think about how we can use our gifts, talents, and experiences to bless those around us, both within the church community and beyond. When we focus on meeting the needs of others and sharing the love of Christ, we will find ourselves growing in humility, compassion, and spiritual maturity.
Measuring our spiritual growth is not always easy, but it is essential for anyone who wants to live a life that honors God and reflects the character of Jesus Christ. By focusing on both knowing God's Word and putting it into practice, we can develop a faith that is not just intellectual but transformational.
As we seek to exhibit the fruit of the Spirit, increase in our love for God and others, persevere through trials, and serve those around us, we will find ourselves growing in spiritual maturity and becoming more like Jesus. May we all strive to be not just hearers of the Word but doers, allowing God's truth to transform us from the inside out.
Check out this article for folks just starting out in their faith journey