The Right Way To Grow- How to Know God
Growing Spiritually: The Right Way to Deepen Your Faith
The Importance of Technique in Spiritual Growth
Just as a musician needs proper technique to master their instrument, we need the right principles to grow spiritually. Our knowledge of God can only take us so far; it's the application of spiritual principles that leads to true growth. Knowing scripture is important, but living it out is what truly matters.
Direction: Growing Inward, Not Upward
Many of us believe that spiritual growth means climbing higher, but true growth is about growing inward. As 2 Peter 3:17-18 states, we are to grow in the grace and knowledge of our Lord and Savior Jesus Christ. This inward growth transforms us from the inside out, affecting how we act, treat people, and live our lives.
Prevention: Guarding Against Spiritual Pitfalls
Growing in the right way also leads to prevention. 2 Peter 1:10 encourages us to work hard to prove that we are truly among those God has called. By supplementing our faith with qualities like goodness, knowledge, self-control, perseverance, godliness, mutual affection, and love, we can prevent spiritual deficiencies and ensure we never fall away.
Intention: Aiming for Fruitfulness
The purpose of our spiritual growth is to bear fruit. It's not just about acquiring more information but about being fruitful in our knowledge of Jesus. True growth leads to transformation and fruitfulness, making us effective and productive in our walk with the Lord.
Balanced Growth: Desire Over Depth
Balanced growth begins with spiritual desire, not just depth. We can only go as deep in God as our desire to know Him allows. Complacency is a deadly foe of spiritual growth, and acute desire must be present for us to experience the manifestation of Christ in our lives.
Knowing God: Revelation and Experience
Knowing God involves both revelation and experiential knowledge. Revelation knowledge is where God reveals Himself to our intellect, while experiential knowledge is where God reveals Himself through our circumstances. Both types of knowledge are essential for true transformation and confidence in our faith.
Life Application
To grow spiritually, we must stop striving and start abiding. Philippians 2:13 reminds us that God is working in us, giving us the desire and power to do what pleases Him. By seeking His face and being still, we can experience His presence and grow in our knowledge of Him.
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True spiritual growth is about more than just knowing scripture; it's about living it out and being transformed from the inside out. By growing inwardly, supplementing our faith with essential qualities, and seeking a balanced growth rooted in desire, we can experience the fullness of God's presence in our lives. This week, let's challenge ourselves to stop striving and start abiding, allowing God to work in us and through us for His glory.
Questions of reflection
- Are you focusing more on acquiring knowledge or on transforming your life through that knowledge?
- How can you grow inwardly in your relationship with God this week?
- What spiritual qualities do you need to supplement your faith with to prevent deficiencies?
- Are you striving in your spiritual journey, or are you abiding in God's presence?