Spiritual Growth
How do you measure spiritual growth? How do you know if you are growing in your devotion to Christ, His church and His mission? Is there a way to measure your love for God?
This is not an easy thing. God obviously knows what’s in our heart.
People may be right in their own eyes, but the Lord examines their heart. The Lord is more pleased when we do what is right and just than when we offer him sacrifices.
- Proverbs 21:2, 3
But how do we know?
This was part of my research in school. Can we really know what is in our hearts? Can we really know if we are growing?
The answer is that we cannot fully know our own hearts, but we can see and experience growth and that is a good thing.
We can tell if our “want to’s” are changing. Is our heart really into it? Do we “want to” worship? Spend time with God? Share our faith? Serve others? Be in God’s Word – study it, cherish it, reflect on it? Do we “want to” pray, seek His will, ask for His guidance? Are we excited about what God is doing? Do we love Him more? “Want to” be in His presence?
But even our “want to’s” can be deceptive, especially when we are tired, overwhelmed, anxious or experiencing temptations. We may not feel like it, but we “want to.” Our will kicks in when our “want to’s” are weak. We do because we know it is right.
Priorities are certainly a sign of growth. Are we putting Jesus first? Does His Kingdom get our “first choice”? Do we find ourselves saying “no” to some things that we used to say “yes” to so we can say “yes” to God?
We can also tell by our behaviors. Are we living out our relationship with God? Do we practice spiritual disciples, treat our families with love, pray for our enemies, give generously, serve with humility, etc. Our lives will reflect a change in growth.
Our Pick 5 initiative this year is a way to measure growth as a church. How many people are trying these 24 things (24+1 – to do all 25) and putting into practice simple things that evidence growth?
So far 15 people have let us know they have done at least 5 of the Pick 5. That’s a good start. We would love to see 5 times that number at least. That would mean that there is real change happening this year at Bridges. There are some great things to do on that list. It’s how a movement is started. When people move together in action toward God.
My guess is that a lot of people have done at least 5, but haven’t let us know yet. If so, as you’re reading this now, perhaps look at the card, and if you have done 5, let us know. Shoot us an email at info@bridgeschurch.net or click the link below to fill out the form. We would love to know how this is working and how many people are participating.
If you haven’t started yet, take a look at the list, and try 5. Some are very easy. Some can have profound impact on your life as well as others. The key is to start and then go one at a time and see what God will do in your life.
Growth is part of our walk with Jesus.
We define a disciple as someone who is …devoted to, developing in, and deployed by Jesus.
“Developing in” is the growth part. Every day becoming and acting like Jesus. It is a process. It can be slow. It must be powered by the Spirit. But we know it is God’s will for us, so He “wants to” make that happen. It’s up to us to walk with Him through the process.
What can you do today to grow with Him?