Fresh Soil for Spiritual Growth

I previously shared about my first spiritual growth spurt, and yesterday I wrote on how I feel I’m currently in a second spiritual growth spurt. Admittedly, this is mostly subjective—and I’m a firm believer that God is the one who gives the growth. But I do think there are some practical things we can do to position ourselves for spiritual gains:

1. Be immersed in the Word. It’s no coincidence that consistent time in Scripture can be a catalyst. God uses his Word to shape our minds, hearts, and lives.

2. Be vigilant about your sin. Stay sensitive to sin in your life, and seek to put it to death immediately. We cannot expect to grow spiritually while casually tolerating the very things God is calling us to put to death.

3. Embrace the local church community. Participate in the life of the church and surround yourself with Christian friends who will encourage, challenge, and sharpen you. Spiritual growth was never meant to happen in isolation.

4. Serve where God has placed you. Faithfulness in the ordinary places God has called you is an important part of spiritual growth. But don’t be afraid to take opportunities to do more when you have the capacity to do so.

5. Be intentional about what you consume. Read Christian books and fill your mind with Christian content. I would even go further and say that we should be careful about how much we allow the media of the world to shape our thinking. What we continually consume will inevitably influence us.

6. Give time to God. It takes time to grow. Give yourself extended periods of Bible study, prayer, and fellowship, and ask God to grow you. Pray for greater love for him, deeper hatred of sin, greater desire for his Word, and increasing dependence on his Spirit.