Spiritual Growth


“As new born babes desire the sincere milk of the word that you may grow thereby” 1 Pet 2:2

Over the years I have heard various preachers speak extensively along the lines of spiritual growth as well as ingredients that bring about spiritual growth. It is true that gathering with other believers for the sake of fellowship is imperative, but the truth is that organized religion does not provide the right forum for true godly relationships to be developed. Many of our teachings are legalistic; our sermons are nothing but musings of men to say the list. There is this great expectation placed on the flock to perform, which makes them believe that God would be impressed by their strict adherence of commandments of men; which indeed have a form of wisdom but in essence lack any power to restrain fleshly indulgence (see Col 2:18-20).

All these legalistic teachings now push the flock into a performance mode and a life marred with hypocrisy thereby robbing them of the joy and peace that Christianity offers. Brother Bill wants to impress Brother Jack; Sister Kate wants Sister Lisa to think of her as a “super Christian”. This setting does not provide an environment conducive for true expressions of faith, instead of us speaking the truth in love; we are forced to mollycoddle our “dry bones in the closet”.

However, Saints of God there is good news God desires that his children walk in the liberty that Christ has made available (see Galatians 5:1-2), and to enjoy Him and the fellowship of other believers in an atmosphere of peace, love and truth. Speaking the truth in love that we may grow into Him who is the Head (see Eph 4:15-25).

The reality of the matter is that true spiritual growth cannot be attained in the present structure of the church; the reason is because the necessary ingredients for true spiritual growth are missing. As our opening text suggests growth can be attained by the believer through the infallible word of God in an environment of love and truth. Take nature for example, plants don’t just grow by rays from the sun, there must be a proportionate amount of water, certain elements must be present in the soil for the plant to grow and develop well enough to provide food for its consumers.
In the same vein spiritual growth can only be attained through a combination of factors; the truth of God’s word and also an environment void of hypocrisy, legalism, and pretence.
Friends, true spiritual growth can only be attained in an environment where the truth of God’s word is preached with sincerity, genuine love and grace.

So if you desire to grow the godly way crave for the preaching and teaching of God’s word in a loving and gracious environment where the truth is spoken in love, that we may grow into him who is the Head.