Spiritual Growth
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Spiritual Growth It was he who gave some to be apostles, some to be prophets, some to be evangelists, and some to be pastors and teachers, to prepare God’s people for works of service, so that the body of Christ may be built up until we all reach unity in faith and in the knowledge of the Son of God and become mature, attaining to the whole measure of the fullness of Christ. (Eph 4: 11-13) What is spiritual growth for a Christian? How does it happen? How do I know if I am growing? These are fundamental concerns for every Christian. Salvation is accomplished in an instant. Jesus is our savior, but he is also our lord. Jesus paid our ransom. He owns us. We are his slaves, servants, children, and future bride. Jesus is our king. Christian living is about being transformed into the likeness of Christ. You were bought at a price, do not become the slaves of men. (1 Cor 7:23) I believe we can look at natural growth to help us understand spiritual growth. Just as a seed is transformed into tree, so born-again Christians are being transformed from a spiritual birth to perfection. Humans begin with the melding of DNA from father and mother. This combination determines many inherent traits such as eye and hair color, height, and intelligence. A unique blueprint is formed at conception that will shape future development. Likewise, born-again Christians receive holy DNA in the form of Christ likeness through the power of the Holy Spirit. Therefore, if anyone is in Christ, he is a new creation; the old has gone, the new has come! (2 Cor 5:17) Set your minds on things above, not on earthly things. For you died, and your life is now hidden with Christ in God. (Col 3:3) Therefore, born-again Christians are a combination of human and divine DNA! Our righteousness, identity, and ability to fellowship with God are through the fact that we bear the image of Jesus. When God the Father looks at us, he sees the image of Jesus. He sees perfection and holiness. This is why the Bible says that “as far as the east is from the west, so far has he removed our transgressions from us.” (Ps 103:12) In this way, God has reproduced himself into his creation and has created a holy family. Natural human growth is both inherent and enhanced. As I mentioned, the DNA mixture of the parents is a blueprint that determines many of the future traits such as height, eye and hair types, voice, and genetic defects. These traits will manifest themselves naturally as we grow and age. There is no self-effort required. Likewise, the transformation of born-again Christians into a totally holy state will be completed at the resurrection. This is totally through the power of the Holy Spirit and does not require human effort. This is why the Bible says, “being confident of this, that he who began a good work in you will carry it on to completion until the day of Christ Jesus.” (Phil 1:6) For we are God’s workmanship, created in Christ Jesus to do good works, which God prepared in advance for us to do. (Eph 2:10) The enhanced part of natural growth comes from decisions we make throughout our lives. The food we eat, the amount and type of exercise, smoking and drugs are examples of lifestyle decisions that can alter physical and mental development and health. Our appearance and the impression we make upon others through our actions influence others in positive or negative ways. For example, if we have friends or family who smoke, we will be more likely to smoke. This habit will have an impact on our health and that of our children or friends. Also, we may influence others to smoke through our friendships or family relationships. In a similar manner, the Christian lifestyle that results from loving God and others will affect others. Devotion to God and choosing to be obedient to his commands gives us an appearance that is different from others. This difference in loving God, others and striving to live in obedience to the Bible testifies to internal spiritual growth. It also represents a powerful witness to others that can influence their thinking and behavior. The story of Stephen is a good example. Stephen was among the first disciples chosen by the apostles to become deacons because he was “full of faith and of the Holy Spirit.” His zealous lifestyle, deep devotion to Jesus and his testimony before the Sanhedrin incited fierce resistance by Jewish leaders who rejected Jesus as the Messiah. Aa a result of Stephen’s testimony, he was stoned to death. However, his testimony and death were witnessed by Saul who was later converted and became Paul the apostle. (Acts 6: 5-15) You are the light of the world. A city on a hill cannot be hidden. Neither do people light a lamp and put it under a bowl. Instead they put it on its stand, and it gives light to everyone in the house. In the same way, let your light shine before men, that they may see your good deeds and praise your Father in heaven. (Mt 5: 14-16) The voluntary aspect of spiritual growth is based on being attentive and obedient to the guidance of the Holy Spirit. This results in good works that demonstrate our love, faith and commitment to Jesus. It is evidence of conforming our will and priorities to honor Jesus and advance his kingdom. When we do this, we will be changed and enabled by the Holy Spirit to “put on Christ” and die to our selfish desires. This is what it means to lose your life in order to live the abundant life that comes from abiding with Jesus. (Rom 13:14; Gal 2:20) Natural growth is subject to futility and decay, but spiritual growth is to perfection and holiness.
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About the Book
Spiritual Growth into Christlikeness is something that is frequently discussed but not well understood. The world, the flesh and the devil all conspire to keep new Christians uncertain of whether they are born-again. This keeps many Christians babes in Christ constantly struggling with who they are. This is why some Christians make numerous decisions and dedications to Jesus. Like young children, new Christians are vulnerable to many false doctrines and cults. These religious groups may have their own Bible and claim that it is superior to the traditional Bible. There are other Christian denominations that teach that spiritual growth (and rewards) can be attained through the sacraments and good works. This book examines popular false ideas and false teachings that hinder spiritual growth through confused or erroneous ideas and the reliance on self-effort rather than the Holy Spirit. The dangers of seeking mystical experiences as an indicator of spiritual growth are also discussed.
Are there typical growth patterns? What are indicators that I am growing properly? These subjects are discussed to provide guidance on healthy spiritual growth.
The final chapters discuss the characteristics of leaders and the importance of helping others grow into Christlikeness through mentoring. As we grow into maturity in Christ, our needs and those of others becomes more apparent. This leads to greater discernment of good and evil. It can also challenge us in that many times we pray to change events rather than people. The last chapter describes some of the typical challenges that I have noticed in the United States. The culture (social norms or the way things are done), pressures Christians to blend in and not make waves. Jesus has called us to be light and share the truths of the gospel. Spiritual growth into Christlikeness will make you different from others who are not born-again. However, spiritual growth will act as a beacon that will identify you to other Christians. It will also draw those who are lost to Jesus as God gives grace to convict and save those whom he has called to be his children.
Are you shining the light of Christ for others to see?
About the Author
Warren was dramatically saved through faith in Jesus Christ by the witness of a deacon from a Bible believing church who took him through key verses in Romans. Before this, he had attended church, but he never had a born-again relationship with Jesus. After his conversion, he began to read the Bible and study it daily. This practice has continued since his salvation birthday in October 1979. Warren has read the Bible numerous times and has memorized key verses to guide and sustain him. He has taught many small groups and Sunday School classes, served as a deacon and he has spoken in many churches as a member of the Gideons.
Warren has two Master of Science degrees from the University of Wisconsin. His professional career ended in 2017 after forty years as an Environmental Scientist and Manager of a group of scientists and engineers at a Midwestern Utility Company. Warren has always had an analytical nature which has served him well in complex environmental issues. This training has also helped him to dive deeply into the Bible and search its depths for wisdom and truth. Warren’s father was a critic of Christianity. After many years of discussion, his father wrote extensive notes on his criticisms. These became the basis for two apologetics books that Warren wrote in defense of Christianity.
Warren’s love for the Bible and his desire to see people know it and to know Jesus as their savior, prompted him to join the Gideons International. During his seventeen years of membership, he spoke in many types of Christian church services. This experience helped him to appreciate many styles of worship. It also helped him to realize that there were church going Christians who do not study the Bible but follow denominational traditions and teachings. His desire to provide sound Biblical teaching prompted him to write a book called Truth Seeker: Bible Topics. This book was written for personal devotions and small group Bible studies. It covers many practical living and theological issues. Warren has also written Bible studies on all the New Testament Epistles. These Bible studies were initially used by thousands of pastors and Christians in Africa and India. They have been compiled into book form and published as Truth Seeker: Christian Living.
Warren is passionate about writing about the Bible. Over the past twenty years, he has written twelve books and over twenty articles for the New York Times about Christianity and Christian Pulse web sites. The Dawn Herald Trilogy is a Lord of the Rings style tale that weaves Christian themes into a multi-book series on the inter-play between reality and fantasy worlds. The spiritual realm, like fantasy, is not real to some but intrigues many people because there is a deep innate sense in humanity that there is a greater reality. Fictional writing is based on developing interesting characters and then visualizing how they progress in their roles. In other words, the characters carry the plot, and writing is like watching scenes in a play unfold. Warren loves to learn and share the awesome truths of the Bible. I am amazed and humbled by what I have written as I see myself as a scribe recording what God has given for our edification.
Warren’s Truth Seeker Series are non-fictional books based on the Bible. Truth Seeker: Mormon Scriptures & the Bible summarizes the books upon which Mormonism is based and compares them to the Bible. Truth Seeker: Apocryphal Books summarizes selected books from the early centuries of Christianity and seeks objective reasons why these books were not included in the Bible. Truth Seeker: Objections to Christianity and Truth Seeker: More Objections to Christianity are two books based on a dialogue with my father who was a critic of Christianity. Truth Seeker: The Human Condition explores the broken condition of humanity. It seeks to harmonize human imperfections with history and science and formulates paradigms that give insight into our purpose and destiny. Truth Seeker: Mysticism and the Bible explores meditation, superstitions, astrology, and other mystical ideas. Most major religions contain supernatural teachings and events which give them mystical aspects. This book reviews the ancient origins of mysticism, popular beliefs, and mystical movements in Christianity. For information about Warren’s articles, videos, blogs and other writings, go to his web site at www.warrenmueller.com.