Spiritual Growth - VIII-B

Concluding Thoughts – Part Two

In the previous lesson we noted some of the hindrances to spiritual growth.
Such as a lack of effort, discouragement, lack of use, interference: these
are some of the things that hinder spiritual growth. Have you allowed them
to hinder yours? If so, perhaps the following steps may help put you back on
the right track...

The following are some steps that will ensure spiritual growth. First,
become active in the work of the congregation. Begin immediately! It is
important not to delay (remember the "hindrances"). There is work for
everyone, and it is best to start with something you are able to handle.
Even the most humble service can be a source of joy for those who are doing
it to please God - Psa 84:10 “For a day in your courts is better than a
thousand elsewhere. I would rather be a doorkeeper in the house of my God
than dwell in the tents of wickedness.”; Jn 13:12-17 “When he had washed
their feet and put on his outer garments and resumed his place, he said to
them, "Do you understand what I have done to you? You call me Teacher and
Lord, and you are right, for so I am. If I then, your Lord and Teacher, have
washed your feet, you also ought to wash one another's feet. For I have
given you an example, that you also should do just as I have done to you.
Truly, truly, I say to you, a servant is not greater than his master, nor is
a messenger greater than the one who sent him. If you know these things,
blessed are you if you do them.”
Offer your services to the elders! These men will be glad to find work for
you to do in keeping with your ability. Sometimes they hesitate to call on
people for work if they are not sure the people are willing. But let them
know that you have the attitude of Isaiah: "Here am I! Send me." - Isa 6:8.
Look for work needing to be done! The best servant is one who can see things
to be done and does them without having to be told every step to take. Most
of us are good critics; here is how we can put that ability to good use:
1) Whenever we see something we want to criticize, take that as an
opportunity to SHOW (not tell) how it should be done.
2) Someone else's failure is often our opportunity to be of service.
3) In other words, "Don't criticize, energize!"

Second, start a program of regular private devotions. Spend time each day
alone with God, engaged in prayer, Bible study, singing praises. Such time
consistently spent will supply the spiritual nourishment necessary for
spiritual growth. Many Christians do not grow because they try to exist on a
"spiritual starvation diet"!

Third, participate in an informal Bible study group. Meet weekly with other
Christians in an informal setting to study the Bible together. This provides
opportunity for mutual sharing and encouragement which leads to even more
knowledge and spiritual growth. I have personally found that in this type of
Bible study group there are very close relationships with other Christians
that develop without our even intending to do so.

Fourth, become involved in leading people to Christ. Even if you don't do
the actual teaching, you can do what Andrew and Philip did: lead a friend to
Christ! - Jn 1:40-46 “One of the two who heard John speak and followed Jesus
was Andrew, Simon Peter's brother. He first found his own brother Simon and
said to him, "We have found the Messiah" (which means Christ). He brought
him to Jesus. Jesus looked at him and said, "So you are Simon the son of
John? You shall be called Cephas" (which means Peter). The next day Jesus
decided to go to Galilee. He found Philip and said to him, "Follow me." Now
Philip was from Bethsaida, the city of Andrew and Peter. Philip found
Nathanael and said to him, "We have found him of whom Moses in the Law and
also the prophets wrote, Jesus of Nazareth, the son of Joseph." Nathanael
said to him, "Can anything good come out of Nazareth?" Philip said to him,
Come and see."’ Those involved in leading others to Christ rarely ever stop
growing in Christ themselves!

Finally, practice constant self-examination. The Scriptures call us to
examine ourselves in our relation to Christ - 2 Co 13:5 “Examine yourselves,
to see whether you are in the faith. Test yourselves. Or do you not realize
this about yourselves, that Jesus Christ is in you?--unless indeed you fail
to meet the test!” Here are some questions we should often ask ourselves:
1) Do I have a better Bible knowledge than one year ago?
2) Am I as interested in Jesus Christ today as when I was baptized?
3) Have I helped someone else to become a Christian?
4) Am I enjoying life as a child of God?
5) Am I improving my life, my disposition, and becoming more like Christ?
6) Do I set a good example for other Christians?
7) Am I growing in such activities as Bible study, prayer, worship?
-- Self-examination is not an easy process, but true spiritual growth is
impossible without it!

It is sad, but true, that many Christians are often just religious enough to be miserable.... But the life of the Christian is intended to be one filled with love, joy, peace, and so much more! - Ga 5:22-23 “But the fruit of the Spirit is love, joy, peace, patience, kindness, goodness, faithfulness, gentleness, self-control; against such things there is no law.” Where the fruit of the Spirit is not present, a lack of spiritual growth is the reason! Rather than be defeated by things which hinder spiritual growth make the choice to grow in the Lord! Believe that He will assist you in your efforts! Set the proper goals, develop the habits that will help you reach them! Remain positive in your outlook, persevering through the occasional setbacks! Look to role models for direction and inspiration! As we thereby grow in the grace and knowledge of the Lord, we will truly experience the "abundant life" that Jesus provides! - Jn 10:10 “The thief comes only to steal and kill and destroy. I came that they may have life and have it abundantly.”