By Pastor Anthony Scott
The New Testament is very clear about God’s will for every believer. He wants us to grow up. Paul said in Ephesians 4:14(Phillips), “We are not meant to remain as children at the mercy of every chance wind of teaching….But we are meant to speak the truth in love, and to grow up in every way into Christ, the head.” The ultimate goal of spiritual growth is to become like Jesus. God’s plan for us since the beginning is to become more like His Son. “For those God foreknew he also predestined to be conformed to the likeness of his Son, that he might be the firstborn among many brothers” (Romans 8:29).
The question is: how does spiritual growth happen? How do we become mature in Christ? How does the church grow in Christ together?
An acorn is a small little thing, a nut to be exact. Yet when that little acorn is planted underground, it has the potential of being a full-sized oak tree because resident in that small nut is growth potential that is phenominal.
Before laying out a strategy for spiritual growth we must dispel some popular misconceptions about growth and maturity in Christ. First, spiritual growth is not automatic once you are born again. We will only become whatever we are committed to. There must be a comprehensive plan for developing Christians to maturity. Spiritual growth is intentional and requires commitment and effort (Philippians 2:12-13). Second, spiritual growth is not some mystical experience reserved for only a select few. It is within reach of all believers. Third, spiritual growth does not occur instantly. Growth and maturity in Christ is a process that takes time. Fourth, spiritual maturity is not measured by how much you know. Maturity is demonstrated more in behavior than by beliefs (James 2:18; 3:13). Fifth, spiritual growth is not just a personal and private matter. The truth is, Christians need relationships to grow (Hebrews 10:24-25). Sixth, Bible study is not all you need to grow. It takes a variety of spiritual experiences with God to produce spiritual maturity.
The Word of God outlines a clear strategy for maturing individuals and congregations. First, the mind must be Enlightened. Paul, in Romans 12:2 says, “But be transformed by the renewal of your mind.” Second, the heart must be Established. “Continue in your faith, established and firm, not moved from the hope held out in the gospel (Colossians 1:23). Third, the hands must be Equipped. Ephesians 4:12 says, to prepare God’s people for works of service.” Finally, the kingdom is to be Expanded. “Therefore go and make disciples of all nations (Matthew 28:19).
There is a story of a little girl, who when the offering tray was passed, put it on the floor, and stood up in the offering plate. The usher said, “Little girl, why are you doing that?” And she said, “Because they taught me in Sunday School that my whole body was to be offered to the Savior.” This little girl got the point that she was the one who belonged in the tray, and that God doesn’t want donations.
With renewed commitment let us strive to fulfill God’s will in our lives, our communities, and in our churches.
