Skip to main content

What about Spiritual Growth?


Today was a little bit different than normal. While we were gone from home our water heater began to leak and required replacement. While our state properties caretaker David Allen replaced the water heater, I had the opportunity to sit in my recliner and read the Sunday newspaper through and listen to the idle chat on the television. During this time, I decided to surf through the channels on cable television and found a plethora of "Christian" television which featured a lot of people I have never heard of before. Obviously they have some following or they wouldn't be on television, right? Or maybe I am just behind on things. There were some casual observations that started me thinking. Here they are, not in any particular order:

1. Seems like none of the preachers wear a full suit in the pulpit when they preach.

2. Lots of upbeat music.

3. Slick presentation, good editing and camera work.

4. Everyone preaching a series of some type.

5. Most of the preaching could have been identified as, "self-help."

6. Lots of what I would call "fluff."

Now, I am not offering any type of criticism, I am sure they all do great work, however, it did start me to thinking. What does real growth and spiritual maturity look like to the outside world? Is this what the average sinner is looking for? Or do they just surf on by to the action and adventure channels and watch a good movie? Of course there are the channels featuring a paternity test to learn "who is yo' daddy," or "he is cheating on her and she it cheating on him, while their persons of romantic interest are cheating with each other.

Then I thought, "Is real spiritual growth going on among us?" Is a real change taking place in anyone's life? Is our relationship with God and with each other growing or failing?" Whenever I have such questions, I always go first to the Scriptures to see if there is a word for my life from the Lord, and if it is something I should share with others.

I personally believe there are some marks of maturity and discipleship the church should be striving for and there will be noticeable signs of our spiritual growth that goes beyond the fluff and the hype of post-modern Christianity. Since I shared six observations, here are six more.

1. Real spiritual growth will show spiritual fruit. Your life will change, and when it doe's others should notice. That will be fruitful: 2 Corinthians 9:10)

2. Real spiritual growth will cause your relationship with Jesus Christ to deepen. (Ephesians 4:15)

3. Real spiritual growth will cause love to increase in your life. (1 Thessalonians 3:12)

4. Real spiritual growth brings maturity (Hebrews 6:1)

5. Real spiritual growth causes a hunger and thirst for the Word of God. (1 Peter 2:2)

6. Real spiritual growth will help us to grow in Grace and Knowledge. (2 Peter 3:18)

Isn't it time for us to all grow up? I know that is what is in my heart, and I hope it is in yours too.

Comments

karmilt said…
AMEN! There is plenty of "spiritual jargon" and "mechanical Christianity." I find myself recently praying for the mind of Christ to be more evident in my life (Philippians).
7:23 PM
Anonymous said…
What constitutes spiritual growth is indeed a relevant question that needs to be asked in an atmosphere of postmodern Christianity. What it means to be spiritual seems to have become muddled in the plethora of methods that characterizes what takes place. One thing that is for sure methods without the substance of genuine spiritual power is lacking the necessary element that can bring fruit that will last. (John 15)
9:13 PM
Anonymous said…
Thanks my friend. As always...you are making me think.
9:50 PM
Anonymous said…
Love this! (and hope the hot water is flowing)
5:01 AM
Post a Comment

Popular posts from this blog

Come Down From That Ivory Tower

Hebrews 11 has become known as the "Hall of Faith." The reason is quite simple. The writer spends a great deal of time giving a role call of the heroes of the faith. After all, this chapter is about faith, and what better way to teach faith than to illustrate with some real-life examples. Mos of the people in this chapter are well-known, at least by anyone who spent time squirming in a Sunday School class as a small child, or who watched the late-night movies on the local channels featuring their stories. Who were they? Abel, Enoch and Noah. Abel pleased God with his excellent offering, Enoch was so close to God that he actually walked with God to the point that one evening, while walking God said to Enoch, "we are closer to my house than we are yours, so why don't you just go home with me?" Of course, Noah built an ark (according to God's instructions) that saved mankind from total destruction. Then there was Abraham...the father of the faithful. He...
10 comments
Read more

A question about your church...

This last few days I have been in the State of Kentucky. I came here with my wife, whose father was having medical tests as of the results of a probable heart attack. He seems to be doing well (as of tonight) and is scheduled for one more test, then hopefully he will be released and further treatments to bring him to health. While this is a scary moment for my wife's family it has also been a time to step away from the daily work and observe others around us. Since Debra's father is a pastor (Church of God of Prophecy, Central City, KY) there have been visits from the State Presiding Bishop, Scott Gillum, area pastors and of course some of his church members. It is heartening to watch the love and concern that is show by those visiting. There has also been quite a few of Debra's extended family here, along with her younger brother and his family. I've watch the nurses and technicians at the Owensboro Medical Center demonstrate concern and what seems to be good care...
5 comments
Read more

On my way to a resurrection

Someone asked, "Are you on your way to another funeral?"  My answer was, "No, I am on my way to a resurrection."  Tonight, after having preached my sister's funeral, two church members funerals and visiting a friend whose brother had passed away, I had a little quiet time in my home office.  As I often do, I reach for an old book  I've found that some books written long ago can speak to my heart.  This time, it was a book published in 1946.  This passage from J.B. Chapman touched my heart, hope it does yours too.  Victor Hugo exclaimed, "The frosts of seventy winters are on my head, but the springtime of eternal youth is in my heart." "Sometimes we look at the gray hair of a ripening saint, and say, "Old man, the frosts of many winters are on your head."  But he answers, "That is not frost.  I am getting ready to wear the crown of life, and my hair is taking on tint agreeable to the color scheme."   We say, "Ol...
2 comments
Read more