There is a lot of misunderstanding about how spiritual growth occurs. Many believe that it is the role of the church and it's leaders is to grow them up spiritually. As a result, statements like the following are what pastors and ministry leaders frequently hear:
1. We are looking for a church where we can go deeper in the word.
2. We like expository preaching. Going verse by verse as you preach takes us so much deeper.
3. You are such a young Pastor. We need a more experienced man to help us grow.
4. We just can't figure it out, but we aren't growing at your church.
5. We need a church with an established Sunday School program, that is where WE grow.
These are only a few of the misconceptions that people have about the church and pastors in general. These reasons, among others, are never going to be the measuring stick by which one experiences spiritual growth. For example, no one walks into a gym and shakes hands with the trainers and expects to all of the sudden be in physical shape. Having the trainers say the right things and introducing you to the right equipment doesn't create the desired result. Getting in shape physically takes effort, it takes time, and it takes commitment...on YOUR part. In the same way, spiritual growth occurs as you take necessary steps and actions towards that goal. Yes, it begins with showing up and learning God's word, but being actively involved with effort, time and commitment are required if you want the desired result. It will involve sacrifice, so be prepared.
Here are some of the things that have helped me on my spiritual growth journey:
1. Hardship. Any time I walk through difficult times, I always seem to depend on God more. It's during those times where I find myself completely reliant upon Him that He demonstrates that He is God and that I can trust Him. God hasn't always done what I want Him to do in situations, but He has always been faithful to teach me valuable lessons as I have walked through the fire. And, the suffering makes me stronger as I remember God's faithfulness and more compassionate to others who go through times of hardship.
2. Mentors. My dad taught me early on in life that one of the most beneficial things I could do in my spiritual journey was to find people who had been on the journey a little longer than me. I took his advice and all through my life I have had men who were older than me speaking truth in my life. Two men that come to mind right now who are invaluable men of wisdom for me are Elder Rob Smith and my dad. I value and trust what these men say because they have weathered the test of time, while relying on God's help.
3. Solitude. It is rare that I have an opportunity to do what the Bible encourages us to do by getting still so we can recognize that God is God. But when I do, God speaks. While I was away at the beach recently, I made time to sit out by the ocean by myself and just pray and listen. What an encouraging time of fellowship I had with God. If I could only make more time for these encounters how much more spiritually mature I would be!
4. My Kids. As crazy as it may seem, God has taught me so many lessons through my children. One of the greatest lessons I think has to do with His unconditional love for us as His children. I can't tell you how many times I have stood over one of my children as they rested quietly in bed after a terrible day and thought, there is nothing that they could ever do to make me love them less. It is during times like these that God speaks directly to me reminding me that that is the kind of love He has for me as my heavenly Father.
5. Positive Attitude. Whatever it's worth, I am best when I focus on the positive things in my life. It's so easy to get caught up in things that need improvement, that could be better, that aren't perfect etc. However, when I consider all that God has done in my life and how blessed I am, I feel content. This positive attitude definitely takes effort, but definitely creates spiritual growth.
Infants are cute, but God doesn't want us to be spiritual infants. He expects us to grow. Growth isn't dependent on others, but on our determination to do what it takes. I hope you're encouraged to do it.
Comments