Spiritual Growth

Spiritual Growth

By Apostle Felix

42  Every believer was faithfully devoted to following the teachings of the apostles. Their hearts were mutually linked to one another, sharing communion and coming together regularly for prayer.
43  A deep sense of holy awe swept over everyone, and the apostles performed many miraculous signs and wonders.
44  All the believers were in fellowship as one body, and they shared with one another whatever they had.

Acts 2: 42 – 44

Spiritual growth takes place when a believer is intentional about it. It is not automatic, and it is not a gift but a discipline. No one can grow spiritually by accident. We grow by committing ourselves to certain disciplines, such as:

1. Devoted to Teachings of the Doctrine of Christ

Good diet, well balanced diet is very essential to the growth of a child, or even an adult. We do not just eat for the sake of making our bellies full but also for nourishment. You cannot be eating junk food and expect to be healthy. KFC is not the food one can live on. It may taste nice and look appetizing but it is not good for one’s well being. You can have KFC once a while but should not be treated as the main dietary meal. Likewise, there are certain messages we cannot live on as children of God. Motivation is good but should not be treated as the gospel, and be given to believers on the daily basis for consumption. The meal of the believer is the doctrine of Christ. Jesus said to the people that He was the bread from heaven. Feed on Christ and your spiritual life will grow by leaps and bounds.

2. Commitment to Fellowship

We do not grow by standing aloof. The church is a body, and it has many parts that dependent on one another. Just imagine, one part of your body is severed from the rest of the body. The part that is severed will not survive on its own. It dies as soon as it is taken or cut from the body. Death is imminent with standing aloof. We are called to fellowship and be mutually  linked to a body of the same doctrinal persuasion.

3. Commitment to Sharing

Sharing is godliness. It is what unifies us as children of God, and as humanity in general. Selfishness is anti unity. Selfish people like to shun group involvement. Their fear is the responsibility of sharing. They do not want to commit to anything to avoid participation in contributing resources. You cannot grow with such an attitude. Growth happens in the space of sharing. Take advantage of every opportunity of sharing. Bring something to the table. It doesn’t matter how small it is. It is the heart the matters. Jesus recommended the woman that gave little, but gave all.

4. Commitment to Prayer

Commit to personal prayer time and also to group prayer time. It is good to pray alone, but praying with others enhances unity. We are here for one another, to be brothers and sisters’ keepers. Develop a good habit of joining the brethren to pray. A people that pray together, stay together.