Growing Spiritually

My last post about growth discussed the difference between self-glory and self-acceptance trends in our culture.

When the world is feeding us a different view of the same topic, it can be easy to throw in the towel and stay still.

But here's the bottom line, growth is necessary. However, how we grow and why is the determining factor in the success of development and better mental health.

The types of growth

Physical = your body or health changing.

Personal = a change in your physical life, job, title, house, etc.

Mental = shift in the way you process your emotions.

Spiritual = the process of surrendering your life to become more like Christ and walking in a relationship with the Lord.

These four types have a delicate balance in your life. I'm sure you've noticed that when one is different from where you'd like it to be, the others also start to fall behind. For instance, when my house is cluttered, I notice my mind is also.

Why should we pursue growth?

We all want to grow, but that can only happen with a why. Think about it like this, you can get in the car and go, but you'll drive in circles unless you have a destination.

We have to determine our why.

Note: be aware of your intentions when determining the why. For a long time, I've intended to change my diet to help with a chronic pain issue. However, what lay under that was a desire for vanity. My intentions were shallow and not lasting. Yet recently, as my daughter has been dealing with some reflux and gut issues, I was finally able to drop the false narrative and continue forward in changing my diet to help heal my body for her and provide her the nutrients she needs as she nurses.

So let's look at our hearts and be honest; I look how I wish, you get the promotion, the man, the family, the house, you lose the weight, you run that race, you fit in those jeans, you get those likes, you hit that follower count, you write that book, you fill in the blank. Are you happy now? What will you do next? Will that be enough, or will you need to continue?

Growth motivation as Christians

Why is it even essential to grow? What is our motivation for actual growth?

It's not to fit in that dress, get a husband, become a social media influencer, or get a diagnosis. It is for the glory of our King and Savior.

When we remember this, our goals can become rooted deep and help us to flourish. Here are my favorite verses to remind me of my goals and purpose.

1 Timothy 4:15-16

"Practice these things; be committed to them, so that your progress may be evident to all. Pay close attention to your life and your teaching; persevere in these things, for in doing this you will save both yourself and your hearers."

Eph 2:10

"For we are his workmanship, created in Christ Jesus for good works, which God prepared beforehand, that we should walk in them."

You are reading that correctly; God created you with purpose! By pursuing growth, you will not only live a happier, less anxious life; you may lead others to do the same!

How do we do it? How do we grow?

Let's look at a rose, my favorite flower. We all like to focus on the top, the petals, the blossom, and the beauty. But two pieces factor into that: the stem and the roots. If the stem is not strong enough, it cannot hold the flower, and if the roots are not treated properly, it cannot grow the stem.

All of the goals that we reach out of growth are the rose buds.

We are the stem.

Let's talk about the roots.

In John 15:5, Jesus says, "I am the vine you are the branches. If you remain in me and I in you, you will bear much fruit; apart from me you can do nothing"

If you haven't caught it yet, y'all, Jesus is the root.

Growth isn't based on what we produce. Instead, it's how we treat our roots.

We can treat those roots through studying the bible, memorizing scripture, building a relationship with God, prayer, community, church, Godly friendships, listening to the Holy Spirit, obeying God's will, striving to be like Christ, and so much more.

I won't go into more detail on how to do those things, but if you need help with those topics, please check out some of our other blog posts. Also, if you want a sidebar to go in-depth, I would love to chat, reply to our email or direct message Fearless and check out our resource page. Let us help equip you in your seasons of growth.

When we choose spiritual growth, we are growing toward true freedom from fear and anxiety and blossoming into our God-designed callings.

With love in your growing seasons,