The Price Of Spiritual Growth 3

1Pet.2v1-2: Therefore, laying aside all malice, all deceit, hypocrisy, envy, and all evil speaking. As newborn babies, desire the pure milk of the word, that you may grow thereby.

Growth is one of the visible evidence of life. So if you are not growing, it simply means that you are dying and the process of decadence is in place. So for the believer, the subject of spiritual growth is of utmost importance and in order to grow, you must be willing to pay the price. This has been the subject of our discussion in this series, and today by, his grace, I will be sharing two more conditions that you need to meet for growth to occur. Are you ready for this? So, here we go.

THE CONDITIONS FOR SPIRITUAL GROWTH:

1. PURPOSE. There is no, growth without purpose! What does this mean? It means that it takes purpose to grow! Without a resolution or determination, you won’t grow (Acts 11v23). So have you resolved in your heart and mind to grow? If the answer is No, there is no way you can experience real and appreciable growth. As long as you are joking with your growth, you won’t grow, but the day you start taking your growth seriously, that is the day you begin to grow. I know this from experience and am sure some of us can attest to this truth also. So it’s time to be deliberate and intentional about growing. The stronger your purpose, the greater your growth and vice-versa also. Therefore, I challenge you to commit and resolve to grow from today in Jesus name, amen.
   
2. PROCESS. There is no growth without process. Growth takes place in stages and phases. It’s similar to what you see in the development of a butterfly (i.e. it goes through the process of an egg—larva—pupa—imago). This is what is also called complete metamorphosis. In the same vein, growth is not a one-off thing or event, but it’s a series of several things you go through in order to grow. This is also similar to what happens when you cook. Cooking entails putting together a lot of things in order to arrive at a finished product. This is also true concerning your growth. Spiritual growth entails going through a whole lot of things in order to grow. Some examples of these stages of growth can include the following: hidden growth, no obvious growth (i.e. little or no growth), internal growth, external growth, wilderness experience, etc. My dear reader, the most important thing when you are going through the process of growth is to know that everything will ultimately work together for your good. So cheer up my brothers and sisters. Your labors shall not be in vain if you don’t give up the fight. You will surely enter into the rich rewards of Spiritual Growth in Jesus name, amen (Mk.4v26-29). I want you to remember that everything is a process and growth and development take time. Don’t expect fast results if you want good and better results.

Other Scriptural References: (1Cor.13v11- Ps.102v16; Dan.1v8; Acts 6v4; Ps.63v1-2; Isa.28v10; 2Cor.3v18).

Prayer for Today: Lord, I surrender myself to the growth process. As I yield in obedience to your will, let my growth be evident for your glory in Jesus name, amen.

CONFESSION: I know that spiritual growth is a process and a journey. So, therefore, I commit myself wholeheartedly to the entire process. Lord, make of me a better person and vessel for your glory and praise. Take away the dross from my life and let the gold in me shine through. May my walk and life bring your continual praises and glory all the days of my life. I receive grace to manifest greater growth in Christ in Jesus name, amen.