When I was a child I spake as a child, I understood as a child, I thought as a child: but when I became a man, I put away childish things (I Cor. 13:11, KJV).
I was born again, but still doing worldly things. I was always outspoken, but my delivery was not always appropriate. I still enjoyed clubbing, drinking, and gossiping. Knowing these things were not representing Godly character, I still delighted I them. Years later, I realized I was not making any progress spiritually. I was still going to the same places, ding the same things, with the same people.
I always attended church, but our small group women’s Sunday School class made me realized I not only needed to change, but I could change. I also had a son by then and wanted to be my best self for him. Making a vision board and setting specific life goals started me on my way. I made sure my goals were SMART: Specific, Measurable, Attainable, Realistic, and Time-based. With the encouragement of my group, I made progress. My progression is evident to those around me.
Paul admits that he was not always spiritually mature. But wanting to please God motivated him to grow-up. He had a group of people who traveled with him and kept him encouraged. Dr. Luke, Timothy, Titus, Priscilla, Aquila, and Barnabas, among others. Through good times and bad, he pressed toward maturity in Christ Jesus.
If you have been in church a long time, but realize you a not growing spiritually, find a group of like-minded people. Make SMART goals and refuse to quit, no matter what obstacles life throws your way. Your spiritual growth will not only bless you, but all those around you. Get started growing today!
Prayer: Father God, see our hearts. We want to grow up, but don’t know how. Send someone into our lives to help us understand what the Holy Ghost is saying to us. We want to be better tomorrow than we are today.
Share your thoughts on “growing up spiritually”. Join the conversation.
Reprinted with permission, this week’s blog is an excerpt from “Praise from the Pews: A 70 Day Devotional” (2017). If you were encouraged by this devotional, you will really be blessed by the other 89 devotionals offered in “Praise from the Pews.” It may be purchased on the home page of this web site and will be shipped to you speedily.
I’m looking for my spiritual growth I have to surround myself with positive people who are on the same page that I am on to continue my journey Thanks Sis Micah
Thank you Micah for sharing. It so important for me to continue to grow spiritual. Time of old ,I use to be stuck , that because of the environment I was in . I wasn’t moving they way I should. After doing self evaluation , I had to change my environment. Once I did that , I prayed and ask God to connect me with the right people who has my best interest at heart , who was after the same thing or greater.. I also had to change my mind set , started thinking positive. Hearing other testimony gave me hope and courage to keep seeking after God . Study ,study ,study and stay connected with him all the time. Fellowship with great men’s and women’s of God . It help me .
Sometimes we can’t see the Forrest for the trees. What we need is often right there within our budget reach. All be we have to do is embrace them and draw the wisdom, incite and help we may need.😁
Thank you, Sis. Micah. One of the things I saw in it was that doing spiritual things does not equate to spiritual growth. That is a reminder for myself. Even though I might still be doing spiritual things, as in going to bible studies, Sunday service, and working for InterVarsity, that does not mean that I am growing spiritually. I will be praying and working towards connecting more frequently to my growth partners and putting more time into my own spiritual development.
Thank you for the reminders to always set SMART Goals. This practice with faith and working to implement the goals will indeed work. My daughter Suaddah has signed up to receive your blessed and always positive blog post.
Thank you for your transparency.
We have to determine to grow up in the things of God. It’s vital.
Thank you Sister Micah!
It’s very important that every born again Christian have that burning desire in their heart to grow spiritually.