What Is Spiritual Growth and Why It Matters
Beloved, today we’re diving into an important question we need to ask ourselves as followers of Christ: What is spiritual growth, and why does it matter?
Spiritual growth isn’t just a nice bonus for “super Christians.” It’s God’s design for every believer! It’s how we move from simply knowing about God to truly living for Him — from surviving to thriving, from being shaken by life’s storms to standing firm and unshakable.
If you’ve been feeling stuck, stagnant, or just hungry for more of God, this is for you. Let’s lean in together and discover what it looks like to grow strong, stay rooted, and become everything God created us to be.
What Spiritual Growth Really Is
Spiritual growth simply means to mature in Christ — to grow up in God. It’s not just about knowing more Scripture, though that’s part of it. It’s about increasing your knowledge, understanding, and application of God’s Word so that your life is transformed.
True spiritual growth is a process. You go from being selfish to becoming selfless. You shift from living for yourself to living for God. You begin to love what God loves and see people through His eyes.
And here’s the encouraging part — this process continues your entire life. You won’t reach full maturity until the day Jesus returns and completes the good work He began in you (Philippians 1:6). That’s why we’re so grateful for repentance and God’s patience with us. He doesn’t give up on us — He keeps calling us higher.
Why We Must Keep Growing
The Word of God makes it clear that growth is not optional — it’s necessary.
2 Peter 1:3–11 reminds us that by His divine power, God has given us everything we need for living a godly life. He’s given us His promises so we can share in His divine nature and escape the corruption of the world. But then Peter calls us to make every effort to grow — to supplement our faith with moral excellence, knowledge, self-control, perseverance, godliness, brotherly affection, and love.
The more we grow like this, the more useful and fruitful we become.
Spiritual growth helps us stand firm, keeps us from being tossed around by every new teaching (Ephesians 4:14), and allows us to walk in the unity of faith with other believers.
Why Community Matters for Growth
Spiritual growth is personal, but it’s not meant to happen in isolation. God designed us to grow in community. Ephesians 4:11–16 says that Jesus gave the church gifts — apostles, prophets, evangelists, pastors, and teachers — to equip us and build us up until we all reach maturity.
When we are planted in a healthy local church, we have a place to be taught, trained, tested, and transformed. We receive encouragement when we’re weary, correction when we’re off track, and opportunities to serve others and use our gifts.
The Fruit of Spiritual Growth
Colossians 1:9–12 shows us what spiritual growth produces: a life that honors and pleases the Lord, a life full of good fruit, and a heart that overflows with joy and gratitude. Spiritual growth makes us strong enough to endure, patient enough to wait on God, and bold enough to shine as light in a dark world.
Here are 3 Practical Steps to Start/Keep Growing Spiritually This Week:
Spend Time in God’s Word Daily
Even if it’s just one chapter or a few verses — meditate on it, journal about it, and ask God to help you live it out.Pray With Intentionality
Talk to God honestly about where you are spiritually and where you want to grow. Invite Him to transform you and give you a heart that desires Him more than anything else.Stay Connected to Other Believers
Join a small group, attend church regularly, or reach out to a trusted faith friend. Surround yourself with people who will encourage you, challenge you, and walk alongside you.
Final Encouragement
Beloved, if you feel like you’ve been spiritually stagnant, this is your invitation to grow again. Your Father loves you too much to let you stay where you are. He has more for you — deeper roots, greater strength, and abundant fruit.
Don’t do it alone. Get connected to a local church, stay in God’s Word, and allow the Holy Spirit to keep shaping you day by day.
Spiritual growth matters — for your purpose, for your joy, and for your future. Let’s keep growing together until Christ returns.
With love and strength, Let's GROW!
Lashondra
