Have you ever noticed that growing older doesn’t always mean growing more mature? We meet people who are mature beyond their years and then we meet others who have stalled out and remain fairly childish, despite the large number of laps they have completed around the sun.
The same is true of spiritual maturity.
But spiritual growth and maturity are not rocket science or mystery. In fact, I have interviewed literally more than 100 people about how their spiritual growth has occurred, and what factors contributed to their spiritual depth and vibrancy, and the answers always, and I do mean always, fall into four categories.
This is great news! If we know what has caused people to grow in their spiritual formation, we can then pursue activity in those categories to jump start or accelerate our own growth. What are the four categories?
Encounters with God. These occur mostly in worship gatherings or camps, but can also occur in other venues. They are moments when we become suddenly aware of God’s Presence and His real power - and we are impacted. He awakens in us a God-awareness and reveals to us His great love for us.
Transformational Relationships. Our faith is shaped by our relationships, as we have mentors, family and friends who either help us shape our faith or allow us to participate in theirs. This begins to shape the faith that God jump starts in our encounters with Him.
Spiritual Disciplines. As we spend time in prayer, read, study, memorize, and meditate on God’s Word, experiment with fasting, practice solitude, or other spiritual practices, our faith becomes established. When we self-feed; when we wrestle with God and pursue Him aggressively, our faith becomes established.
Meaningful Service. Addicts have learned that a key to their ongoing recovery is to help another addict with theirs. This is true of spiritual formation as well. When we serve others with the gifts, talents, and treasures God has entrusted to us, our faith becomes energized and it deepens our own walk with God.
Want to get growing? Pursue these four contexts for your growth - commit to them as a lifestyle. If you practice these four disciplines as a lifestyle, your life may have highs and lows, but it will trend consistently over time with a trajectory for growth.
How much of God will you experience? As much as you want.
Do you want more?