How to Begin your Spiritual Growth with Christ?
Spiritual growth as we are going to talk about today is the natural result of a life devoted to Jesus.
Spiritual growth is something that matures in faith, and from which every believer benefits on their life journey.
It is also the result of a choice, of choosing to deepen our relationship with God, to our Lord Jesus Christ to the Holy Spirit. Growing spiritually therefore comes above all else to bring us closer to Christ and to grant him a more important place in our daily lives.
Spiritual growth is often offered as a grace, as a blessing resulting from our belief in God and healthy living.
So here we are talking about something different from a simple act of faith. We are talking about the result of a pure and benevolent intention of intimate discovery with regard to our Creator.
Contents :
Different spiritual blessings for everyone
What is spiritual growth?
Spiritual growth is a kind of maturation process that takes place when our lives include Jesus as a brother, friend, and savior. Over time, each believer will grow by deepening this relationship which will deeply change them.
In fact, spiritual growth is different from just being religious. While certain strict rites have been obligatory for centuries, the intimate relationship with the divine is necessarily something personal.
Because it originates in man-made religious rules or laws, obedience is often motivated by the desire to be accepted and the fear of rejection. A spirituality truly close to God does not come from what man has dictated, but from true and sincere desires of the heart.
You will have understood: we are going to approach the theme of spiritual growth from a resolutely Christian point of view.
If this bothers you, you are free not to read this article. On the contrary, if you practice it or simply if you find yourself in the values of this religion, then continue reading. You can even take a look at this collection of lucky charms and Christian symbols that we have created on our site!
The image of the growing tree
In short, to fully understand each stage of spiritual growth , the image of the growing fruit tree is entirely appropriate:
- It all begins with a seed...: When the word of God enters a man's heart and saves him, that person is born to new life.
- . ..which is fragile at the beginning...: The first challenges are difficult and there is a lot to learn. At this time, new believers need a lot of support from the community
- …but takes root…: Over time, the believer learns more about the Bible and the Gospel, which strengthens his relationship with Jesus.
- …and knows how to weather the storms…: Even mature Christians face great challenges that test their faith, but God always helps them overcome them.
- …then gets stronger and stronger…: Knowledge of the Bible is supplemented by life experience, which gives more strength and confidence.
- … to ultimately bear fruit…: The results of spiritual growth are then visible in the life of the believer. The very existence of the mature faithful reflects his relationship to Christ through a true Christian life.
Different spiritual blessings for everyone
Where there is no spiritual growth, there is a problem.
The Bible says that we cannot always act like newborn babies (Hebrews 5:13-14). We must not be satisfied with the basics of faith, with the initial “milk”. God has much more to give us…but many of His graces and blessings require maturity.
To return to our image of the tree, the one that does not grow and does not mature is the one that is dead.
Growing spiritually is thus about reaping what the work of the Holy Spirit creates in our lives.
The apostle Paul reminds us that there are two types of spirituality: false and true. In 1 Corinthians chapters 12-15 we are told about true spirituality and, in particular, spiritual gifts. These are things that God desired for each of us and each person has (in a certain quantity and a certain register, it is true, but that each person has yes).
From the moment these spiritual blessings have been offered by God, none is superior to the others. Each is in fact a means offered to us to get closer to the truth and to know our Creator better.
Between the architect, the mason and the carpenter, who participates most in the construction of a church? Everyone does it in their own way but everyone does it. The same goes for blessings that will influence our spiritual growth.
Salvation through the graces of spiritual growth
The blessings that we encounter on our path of spiritual growth will therefore be different from one person to another but will always go towards the same goal: to make us know the state of grace and salvation.
Does your heart desire what the Lord wanted for you? Without a doubt.
Everything that surrounds the state of grace and the knowledge of the sacred is necessarily complicated for human intelligence to understand. This is also one of the reasons why faith is necessary.
If you really have no idea what we're talking about, here's a definition from the official website of the Catholic Church of France. Out of healthy curiosity, you can also ask your priest who will be happy to answer you!
Certain verses from the Bible also provide clues to our intellect that will allow us to philosophize:
- “ We also know that the Son of God has come, and has given us understanding to know the Truth; and we are in the True, in his Son Jesus Christ. He is the true God and eternal life. » (1 John 5:20).
- “ Who will transform our vile body, that it may be made conformable to his glorious body, according to that effect whereby he is even able to bring all things into subjection. » (Philippians 3:21)
- “ He saved us and gave us a holy call. And he did it not because of our works, but because of his own plan and grace, which was given to us in Christ Jesus from all eternity. » (2 Timothy 1:9)
- “ For the Son of Man came to seek and to save that which was lost. » (Luke 19:10)
- And many more just waiting to be discovered!
And so, how to grow spiritually?
We now know what spiritual growth is and especially why it is good to seek it.
But in fact, how to grow spiritually? What are the practical means to implement to achieve this?
In fact, spiritual growth will have two drivers: the will of God (who created you to seek Him) and your own will (we all have free will).
When God desires to act in our life, we must listen to his messages and follow his advice. For the personal action component, we have some advice for you to begin your new path.
Ask God
When we turn to God, He sometimes answers us. So ask Him to reveal to you what you need to bring into your life, what is good for you.
Whatever the form of his response, follow it and respect him in order to carry out his will.
Study the Bible
The Bible is the primary channel of Revelation and contains everything you need to grow spiritually. The New Testament gives us its Theology. The Old Testament also testifies to the glory of God.
By studying it, you will learn a lot about the right way to live your life. You will also receive many top tips and spiritual messages.
Pray
Those who pray approach God to speak to him. Prayer increases our relationship with God, and can be the source of life that leads to new spiritual growth.
Prayer guided the Apostles and testifies to our love of God. It is an act of love and liturgical instruction. Through prayer, the Lord's Mercy and Forgiveness are offered to us.
So try to pray regularly and, above all, don't forget to thank the Lord during your prayers.
Go to church
Alone, you won't grow much. In the church you will find other people who can help you grow. The Church is for learning together how to grow in Jesus (Ephesians 4:15-16). When everyone does their part, everyone thrives.
Baptism is necessarily the first step in the life of the Christian, and it is no coincidence that the newly baptized attend their churches with a certain fervor. These places are indeed a place of worship, yes, but also of sanctification and demonstration of one's faith.
If you are looking for more arguments to convince your loved ones to go to mass, this document from famillechretienne.fr should bring grist to your mill.
Take your responsibilities
This advice applies to all aspects of your life, but when it comes to spiritual growth, it takes on special meaning.
Satan tempts us at every moment, and it is our responsibility to resist him. With the right discernment, we can distinguish what is in the kingdom of God and what is in the domain of Lucifer.
Taking responsibility here means putting into practice the messages we have received (through the direct action of God, through the Gospels or through prayer). It can be difficult, yes, but it is our responsibility to do it.
