Think of the life of a house plant that is totally dependent on your care. It cannot water itself. It cannot remove its weeds from the soil or even put itself in the proper area to receive the right amount of sunlight. The only way that plant will survive is if you know what it needs [good soil, water, sunlight and when necessary, fertilizer] for it to flourish. Since it is not self-sufficient, it relies on you to know when it also needs for you to monitor the temperature, ventilation, and when it’s time to enlarge the pot. It is your responsibility to care for, nourish and meet the required needs of your house plant or it will not grow. Well, it is vital that you care for your spirit man in the same way.
You have to cultivate your spirit with intentional care so that your spirit man can flourish. You have to grow yourself up by doing the work. It is work but know it will be rewarding seeing yourself maturing in the things of God as you read and walk out his plan for your life. Unlike the house plant, you are self-sufficient. Spiritual growth in your life is something only you can do. You must want to draw nigh unto God and be willing to do the due diligence to cultivate the growth of your spirit man. It cannot happen without your willingness to seek God with all your heart plus intentionally feeding your spirit a good strong diet of the word of God on a consistent basis.
Here are the things you must do to develop spiritual growth:
Romans 10:17 - So faith comes from hearing, and hearing through the word of Christ.
Read your bible every day!
This reminds me of a childhood song that says, “If you read your bible and do what is say, you will grow, grow, grow.” Reading aloud, meditating and studying the Word of God should be one of the most important activities in a Believer’s life because the bible is God speaking his love and hope to you. Since God communicates with you through his Word, find a study plan that’s right for you similar to having ‘the right amount of sunlight’ for your house plant. Thus, bible reading must be a number one priority, and a plan will keep you from missing anything God has written in his Word. Like that house plant receiving fertilizer, following a plan is a sure way to “grow spiritually”. Locate a good devotional plan you can do daily that allows you to spend more time with God and experience one on one fellowship with Him.
Join a group that’ll assist with growing your spirit man!
This would require finding ways to cultivate godly relationships and doing life with same minded people who will help you in your spiritual growth. We attend church services on a weekly basis for the teaching of the Word, prayer, fellowship, praise and worship. Groups on the other hand are more personal. They provide an opportunity to receive as well as give to others [as you do life together] through meeting, supporting and building one another through your spiritual walk.
Get plugged in (Serve)!
There are many opportunities to serve in your church. Sometimes people join a ministry department because that area needs help. Unfortunately, plugging into a ministry that God is not leading you to will not help that department and it may not help you either! Thus, always ask God to reveal what his plans are for you. Remember, it takes time to grow and that is why you need to allow God to lead you, so don’t just pick one without praying first. God knows exactly where you will flourish in your spiritual walk just like caring for that house plant. On the other hand, don’t quit if you find yourself in a department that doesn’t fit. Keep in mind as you are facilitating your own spiritual growth, you can add and develop in your strengths, abilities, skills, and the list goes on. This will help you know where you might fit and enjoy serving.
So, the more you invest in your spiritual growth [like properly caring for that house plant], the more you will grow, your faith will grow, your understanding will grow, your strength will grow, your gifts will grow, your love will grow, your abilities will grow!
Hebrews 11:6 - And without faith it is impossible to please him, for whoever would draw near to God must believe that he exists and that he rewards those who seek him.
- Minister Linda Fielder
Give yourself a spiritual boost. Come experience beautiful worship and inspiring messages at the God's BeYOUties women's conference April 27th - 29th. Visit wofwc.com to view the conference speakers, schedule and more!