Spiritual Growth (Part 1 of 3)

Spiritual growth can be likened to a person's actual physical growth. Once you've accepted Christ, you've been given new life. In John chapter 3, Jesus tells Nicodemus that a person must be reborn again to see the kingdom of God (John 3:3). Regardless of how old you are in the natural/physical, you get a new life when you make Jesus your Lord. In the spirit, you are a fresh new baby, as if you've just been born. You are a Babe in Christ. Physically, babies grow the fastest during their first year of life; this stage is called infancy. During this stage, the baby is entirely reliant upon his or her parents and/caretakers. They depend on others to be washed, fed, changed, bathed, and so forth. The baby's caretaker must be available to care for them around them clock in order for them to thrive and survive. When you accept Christ, you are also in this baby-like phase because you are a babe in your spiritual life. Your faith is still growing, yet, are very dependent on others to teach you. You must rely on God, and the brothers and sisters in Christ around you so that you can develop your faith in the most healthy manner.

For the first 3-4 months, babies cannot eat anything other than breastmilk or formula. 1 Peter 2:2 says like newborn babies, crave pure spiritual milk, so that by it you may grow up in your salvation. This spiritual milk is the Word of God or the Bible. To grow spiritually, you need spiritual food. This goes for all believers, not just babes. You cannot grow if you are not filling up on the Word of God. In order to grow in Christ, and thrive, new believers must be fed Bible verses and gain Bible knowledge. This is why listening to sermons, going to church, and joining a Bible study group is so important; in fact, it is critical! Real-life babies may be able to eat solid foods as early as 4 months; however, this isn't the same as new believers. If you aren't reading and studying the Bible, you may be a babe for months or even years. If you don't grow your faith, you may remain in this stage for a long time. It doesn't matter how old you are physically. You can be 60 years old and still be a Babe in Christ. How quickly you grow out of being a babe is partially dependent on you. You must want to grow, take the steps you need to get fed, and continue to seek God. You must pursue your Christian faith and desire to grow. You have to surround yourselves with godly men and women, and go to places where you can hear and learn God's Word. Your faith is your responsibility.

When you become a new believer, you have accepted Jesus Christ as your Lord and Savior. You believe that Jesus was born to a virgin, walked on earth over 2000 years ago, was crucified for our sins, and was raised back to life on the third day. You also believe that Jesus will return and take us to Heaven with him. This can take some time to digest and process, just as growing your faith, so I recommend reading the four gospels, Matthew, Mark, Luke and John. Don't rush this phase, it is important to learn godly principles and to get to know your Savior. Talk to God, read the Bible, and pray. 1 Corinthians 3:2 says I gave you milk, not solid food, for you were not yet ready for it. Indeed, you are still not ready. During this baby-like phase, ask God to help you understand the Bible. When reading the four gospels, focus on what Jesus is saying in the Bible and pray for wisdom, knowledge and understanding. Learn all that you can about living the way God wants you to. You won't be perfect, but none of us are so don't let that stumble you. Soon you will be ready to move into the next phase of your spiritual life. To move onto solid food, you must have a solid biblical foundation, and be ready to make changes in your life. God will begin correcting you in the next phase, growing your faith, and delivering you mentally, physically, spiritually, and emotionally from things/sins that have kept you bound. Ask God for guidance and trust Him to lead you.

Let us Pray.

Father God, loving Savior,

We thank You for the free gift of salvation and for eternal life. Thank You for saving us, literally saving us and showing us compassion. Thank You for accepting us, and loving us. We thank you for this new life that you've given us, and ask to have our minds renewed and be transformed (Romans 12:2). Give us wisdom, knowledge, and understanding. Help us build our faith and foundation so that we will not be moved, swayed, or deceived. Surround us with godly men and women who are dedicated to help us in this new lifestyle, and give us opportunities to grow our faith in church, groups, and in the Bible. Speak to us as we read Your Word. We praise You that You who have begun a good work is faithful to finish it to completion until the coming of Christ (Philippians 1:6). In Jesus' Great name, amen.

Prayerfully,

Pam