Spiritual growth is an interesting enterprise in light of the fact it is typically not easily quantified. Unlike physical growth where we are measured against a scale and national percentiles, we don't have a quanitifiable standard by which to evaluate our standard deviations for spiritual development... other than standing next to Jesus Christ himself. Even then the quantifiable measures comparing to Jesus will generally fall into subjective categories.
We might consider how we compare to others as a measurement. Is this even a valid measure to stand one Christian up against another? Jesus might, in fact, argue it is not. Instead, He would suggest such spiritual measurement ought to be accomplished in the privacy of one's own room, behind a closed door and that we ourselves should not even know what one of our own hands is doing in relation to the other (Matt. 5:6; 6:3).
While the measurement of spiritual growth may appear somewhat illusive, it most assuredly is not. Spiritual growth is measurable and when it is measured, it can bring tremendous benefit to the child of God.
Spiritual reflection is an excellent (likely even essential) means to observe spiritual growth. It is deeply personal and individual in nature as no one can stand in the face of another human being and declare, "You aren't growing spiritually," for numerous reasons. One is that no other human has the ability to judge another's heart, only God (and perhaps the person themselves) knows who they really are on the inside. Another reason is that spiritual growth is deeply relational, between the person and God Himself. Others may see the "fruit" of that spiritual relationship, but they will not be able to quantify the essence of the relationship. Consequently, we realize the full measure of spiritual growth is relational -- how deeply commited to relationship with God our hearts have become.
I read recently that the original concepts of "belief" and "truth" were more deeply rooted in relationship than in cognitive process. To "believe" in something meant you "invested" in it, you "embraced" it, you "bonded" to it and were willing to lay your life on the line for it. Since the 14th century, Christians have tended to affiliate spiritual growth with increased knowledge of Biblical fact. While the Biblical text is critical to establishing and maintaining relationship with God through the Lord Jesus Christ and the Holy Spirit, processing truth is not spiritual growth.
The way to measure spiritual growth is to know one's thirst for God. The understanding that distance from God is darkness and peril and nearness to God is good is true test of spiritual growth.
We might consider how we compare to others as a measurement. Is this even a valid measure to stand one Christian up against another? Jesus might, in fact, argue it is not. Instead, He would suggest such spiritual measurement ought to be accomplished in the privacy of one's own room, behind a closed door and that we ourselves should not even know what one of our own hands is doing in relation to the other (Matt. 5:6; 6:3).
While the measurement of spiritual growth may appear somewhat illusive, it most assuredly is not. Spiritual growth is measurable and when it is measured, it can bring tremendous benefit to the child of God.
Spiritual reflection is an excellent (likely even essential) means to observe spiritual growth. It is deeply personal and individual in nature as no one can stand in the face of another human being and declare, "You aren't growing spiritually," for numerous reasons. One is that no other human has the ability to judge another's heart, only God (and perhaps the person themselves) knows who they really are on the inside. Another reason is that spiritual growth is deeply relational, between the person and God Himself. Others may see the "fruit" of that spiritual relationship, but they will not be able to quantify the essence of the relationship. Consequently, we realize the full measure of spiritual growth is relational -- how deeply commited to relationship with God our hearts have become.
I read recently that the original concepts of "belief" and "truth" were more deeply rooted in relationship than in cognitive process. To "believe" in something meant you "invested" in it, you "embraced" it, you "bonded" to it and were willing to lay your life on the line for it. Since the 14th century, Christians have tended to affiliate spiritual growth with increased knowledge of Biblical fact. While the Biblical text is critical to establishing and maintaining relationship with God through the Lord Jesus Christ and the Holy Spirit, processing truth is not spiritual growth.
The way to measure spiritual growth is to know one's thirst for God. The understanding that distance from God is darkness and peril and nearness to God is good is true test of spiritual growth.
"But as for me, it is good to be near God.
I have made the Sovereign Lord my refuge;
I will tell of all your deeds." (Ps. 73:28)
I have made the Sovereign Lord my refuge;
I will tell of all your deeds." (Ps. 73:28)
Growing... how I long to be growing...
3 comments:
Well said, brother.
"Standing next to Jesus" is very risky, for ANYTHING next to perfection is going to look bad, and that's why Nic came to Jesus at night. But as Jesus told him, walking in the light is the only way.
It is this spiritual growth that is the REASON for the church, according to Paul (1 Cor. 14.26 & Ephesians 4.11-14).
My prayer is that people will drink in your message and make every effort to help each other grow up - to spiritual adulthood!
Christopher,
This blog reminds me to keep on moving forward toward God no matter what life throws our direction in terms of obstacles, discouragement, challenges, pain, etc.
Sometimes like Meagan I am stagnate in my spiritual growth, and think I am standing still on hold, only to realize eventually like Meagan, that I am actually moving backwards not stagnate at all.
But I am so glad that God keeps his arms wide open with love, acceptance, and forgiveness and I am so glad that he doesn't get frustrated and angry and give up on us when we continue to get distracted by life and continue to put him on the back burner as one of our things on our "To Do" list to get to at our convenience.
I kind of envision you with a hat, and a flute being a Pied Piper, using your hands as you beckon us all on to keep going toward our Loving Father, no matter how many stumbles we make along the way...just keep on going, moving, striving, growing....
Thanks for your encouragement. I have only heard you preach one time - and that was at Newland St - how many years ago? But what I remember was - I wish I lived close enough to hear you every week. You have a gift - for speaking and writing.
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