“What does it mean to grow as a Christian?” This question resonates deeply with many believers raised in evangelical contexts, as Matthew C. Bingham explores in his article, The Shared Experience of Growing Up Evangelical but Spiritually Underdeveloped. Often, we are taught about the importance of a ‘quiet time’—reading the Bible and praying—but many of us feel ill-equipped to understand what true spiritual growth looks like.
Scripture, however, does not leave us in the dark. God has not only called us to grow but has also provided the means for that growth. Let’s explore what the Bible says about spiritual maturity, how it is rooted in Jesus Christ, and how we can practically live it out in our daily lives.
The Biblical Diagnosis: A Need for Maturity
Humanity’s root issue is our estrangement from God due to sin. Apart from Christ, we are spiritually dead (Ephesians 2:1). Even after coming to faith, we may struggle with immaturity in our walk with Him. The writer of Hebrews lamented, “For though by this time you ought to be teachers, you need someone to teach you again the basic principles of the oracles of God. You need milk, not solid food” (Hebrews 5:12).
This stagnation often stems from neglecting the rich resources God has given us to grow—His Word, prayer, and the community of believers. Jeremiah 17:5-6 warns us of the futility of relying on our own strength: “Cursed is the man who trusts in man and makes flesh his strength, whose heart turns away from the Lord. He is like a shrub in the desert.” Without being deeply rooted in Christ, our growth remains stunted.
The Answer: Abiding in Christ
Jesus provides the ultimate answer to our need for spiritual maturity. In John 15:4-5, He declares, “Abide in me, and I in you. As the branch cannot bear fruit by itself, unless it abides in the vine, neither can you, unless you abide in me. I am the vine; you are the branches.” True growth comes from being connected to Him, the source of all life and strength.
Christ’s work on the cross reconciles us to God, making spiritual growth possible. Through His resurrection, we are empowered to live in newness of life (Romans 6:4). As we immerse ourselves in His Word, we are transformed by the renewing of our minds (Romans 12:2). Through prayer, we commune with the living God, who delights in shaping us into the image of His Son (2 Corinthians 3:18).
Living It Out: Practical Steps for Growth
How can we actively pursue spiritual growth? Here are three practical steps:
1. Feast on God’s Word
Regular engagement with Scripture is essential. The psalmist proclaims, “Your word is a lamp to my feet and a light to my path” (Psalm 119:105). Don’t merely read the Bible—meditate on it, study it, and let it shape your thoughts and actions. Consider incorporating methods like journaling or Scripture memory to deepen your understanding.
2. Cultivate a Life of Prayer
Prayer is not a ritual but a relationship. Philippians 4:6-7 encourages us, “Do not be anxious about anything, but in everything by prayer and supplication with thanksgiving let your requests be made known to God. And the peace of God, which surpasses all understanding, will guard your hearts and your minds in Christ Jesus.” Set aside time daily to pour out your heart before God, listen for His guidance, and align your will with His.
3. Commit to Christian Community
We grow best in the context of community. Hebrews 10:24-25 exhorts us, “And let us consider how to stir up one another to love and good works, not neglecting to meet together, as is the habit of some, but encouraging one another, and all the more as you see the Day drawing near.” Join a local church, participate in small groups, and seek out mentors who can guide you in your faith journey.
The Gospel: Our Foundation for Growth
Ultimately, spiritual growth is not about checking off religious duties but about being transformed by the gospel. We are sinners who fall short of God’s glory (Romans 3:23). Yet in His infinite love, God sent His Son, Jesus Christ, to live the perfect life we could not, to die the death we deserved, and to rise again, conquering sin and death (1 Corinthians 15:3-4).
Through faith in Christ, we are justified, adopted into God’s family, and indwelt by the Holy Spirit, who empowers us to grow in holiness. This is not a work we accomplish on our own but a grace-filled journey of abiding in Jesus, the author and perfecter of our faith (Hebrews 12:2).
If you have not yet trusted in Christ for salvation, today is the day to repent and believe. Turn from your sin and place your faith in Him, and He will give you new life. For those who are in Christ, rest in His finished work and pursue Him daily, knowing that “He who began a good work in you will bring it to completion at the day of Jesus Christ” (Philippians 1:6).
