How We Grow...

How can we grow spiritually? Well, we have to want to, decide to, make the effort to, and persist in growing. We then need to abide in his word and accept it as the authority in our life and let his word be our guide over all else. We need to listen to his word and let it change our way of thinking and then we need to apply it's principles.

If you abide in my word, then you are truly disciples of Mine.
John 8:31

Everything in the Scriptures is God's Word. All of it is useful for teaching and helping people and for correcting them and showing them how to live.
2 Timothy 3:16

Everyone who hears these words of mine and puts them into practice is like a wise man who built his house on the rock.
Matthew 7:24

God uses all our circumstances to develop our character. Jesus warned that life would come with problems and God uses these problems to draw us closer to him.

Joni Eareckson Tada notes, "When life is rosy, we may slide by with knowing about Jesus, with imitating him and quoting him and speaking of him. But only in suffering will we know Jesus."

We need to remember that God's plan is good and that he knows best. Joseph trusted God when he was sold into slavery.

The plans I have for your are plans to prosper you and not to harm you, plans to give you hope and a future.
Jeremiah 29:11

Our present troubles are quite small and won't last very long. Yet they produce for us an immeasurably great glory that will last forever!
2 Corinthians 4:17

We need to remember to rejoice and give thanks in all circumstances.

Be full of joy at that time, because you have a great reward waiting for your in heaven.
Luke 6:23

And we need to refuse to give up.

Let the process go on until your endurance is fully developed, and you will find that you have become men of mature character...with no weak spots.
James 1:3-4

We also have to remember that growing in Christlike character takes time. We need to worry more about how strong we are growing than how quickly we are growing. Why does it take time? Because we are slow learners and have a lot to unlearn. We are afraid to face the truth about ourselves and this growth can be scary and painful. And of course new habits take a while to develop.

So, remember that God is working in your life even when you don't feel it, journal about the lessons you are learning so you can see a progression, be patient with God and with yourself and don't get discouraged.

God began doing a good work in you, and I am sure he will continue it until it is finished when Jesus Christ comes again.
Philippians 1:6