Spiritual development refers to the process of growing in one’s relationship with God. It involves deepening our understanding of who God is, developing Christ-like character, and living out our faith in obedience to God’s word. The Bible has much to say about how we can grow spiritually and become more like Christ.
Studying and Applying God’s Word
One of the primary ways we develop spiritually is by studying and applying God’s word in our lives. As 2 Timothy 3:16-17 says, “All Scripture is breathed out by God and profitable for teaching, for reproof, for correction, and for training in righteousness, that the man of God may be complete, equipped for every good work.” By regularly reading and meditating on Scripture, we begin to understand God’s character and his plan for our lives. We learn what pleases God and what grieves him. We discover how to live in a way that brings glory to God.
However, merely reading the Bible is not enough for spiritual growth. We must also put into practice what we learn. James 1:22 warns us, “But be doers of the word, and not hearers only, deceiving yourselves.” As we apply biblical principles to everyday situations and obey God’s commands, we will notice increasing Christlikeness in our thoughts, words, and actions.
Prayer
Prayer is vital for spiritual development. Through prayer we experience intimate communion with God, bringing our cares, petition, intercessions, and thanksgivings before him. Philippians 4:6-7 encourages us, “Do not be anxious about anything, but in everything by prayer and supplication with thanksgiving let your requests be made known to God. And the peace of God, which surpasses all understanding, will guard your hearts and your minds in Christ Jesus.”
As we pray, God reshapes our desires to align with his will. He gives us supernatural strength to overcome sin and temptation. Our faith is strengthened when we see how God answers prayers and works through us. A life of prayer keeps us dependent on God rather than our own wisdom.
Worship
Worship is an essential part of spiritual growth. When we worship God through song, Scripture reading, prayer, and communion, we fix our eyes on Christ instead of our circumstances. We are reminded of God’s majesty, goodness, and saving grace. Worship stirs our affections for God and increases our faith.
John 4:23-24 says, “But the hour is coming, and is now here, when the true worshipers will worship the Father in spirit and truth, for the Father is seeking such people to worship him. God is spirit, and those who worship him must worship in spirit and truth.” As we worship, our spirits connect with the living God. He molds us into Christlike worshipers who accurately reflect his character.
Christian Community
Fellowship with other believers is another essential component of spiritual growth. In community we encourage each other, bear one another’s burdens, and stir up “love and good works” (Hebrews 10:24-25). More mature believers can disciple new Christians and model Christlike attitudes and behaviors.
The body of Christ is designed to build itself up (Ephesians 4:11-16). As each part does its work, the church grows and matures. We share our spiritual gifts and resources to mutually benefit others. Iron sharpens iron as we sharpen one another (Proverbs 27:17). Community provides necessary accountability and support for pressing on in the faith.
Serving God and Others
Actively serving God and people is crucial for spiritual maturation. As we step out in faith and obedience, God increases our opportunities and capacity for service. We grow in perseverance and courage as we rely on God’s strength to carry out his work.
Jesus set the example as a servant leader who gave his life for us (Mark 10:45). We grow closer to his heart as we serve in his name. Selflessness replaces selfishness the more we focus on honoring God and meeting the needs of others.
Sharing Our Faith
Boldly sharing the gospel and our testimony are ways we continue to grow spiritually. As we give what God has given us, we increase in godly wisdom, faith, and understanding. We must speak the truth in love, relying on God’s Spirit to empower us (Ephesians 4:15).
God desires all people to be saved and come to knowledge of the truth (1 Timothy 2:3-4). As faithful servants we have the privilege of participating in his redemptive plan. He emboldens and equips us to share Christ’s love with others.
Practicing Spiritual Disciplines
Certain spiritual disciplines such as solitude, fasting, silence, and frugality provide space for us to deepen our walk with Christ. By occasionally withdrawing from normal activities and comforts, we can focus more intently on prayer, Bible study, and listening to the Holy Spirit.
Through spiritual disciplines we become less consumed by worldly affairs and more aligned with God’s kingdom priorities. We break free of complacency and preoccupation with self. Renewed desire for holiness emerges as we seek God’s face.
Confession and Repentance
Maintaining a repentant heart through regular confession and repentance keeps us humble and dependent on Christ’s forgiveness. The practice of confession involves being completely honest with God about our sins on a daily basis. True repentance means not only confessing but also turning away from sin.
First John 1:9 assures us, “If we confess our sins, he is faithful and just to forgive us our sins and to cleanse us from all unrighteousness.” Repentance clears the way for the Holy Spirit’s ongoing sanctification in our lives.
Persevering through Trials
Trials, persecution, and suffering provide opportunities for considerable spiritual growth. As we cling to Christ during difficult seasons, we develop perseverance, endurance, and hope. Hardship reveals where we need to surrender control and trust God more fully.
Romans 5:3-5 explains how trials produce growth: “Not only that, but we rejoice in our sufferings, knowing that suffering produces endurance, and endurance produces character, and character produces hope, and hope does not put us to shame, because God’s love has been poured into our hearts through the Holy Spirit who has been given to us.”
Experiencing the Fruit of the Spirit
As we walk in the Spirit, his fruit naturally develops in our lives: “love, joy, peace, patience, kindness, goodness, faithfulness, gentleness, self-control” (Galatians 5:22-23). This increasing Christlike fruit is the clearest indication we are maturing spiritually by the Spirit’s enabling.
Whereas legalistic efforts at personal improvement will fail or lead to pride, spiritual fruit grows naturally as we yield more fully to the Spirit’s control. He produces supernatural qualities to replace fleshly attitudes and behaviors.
Putting Off the Old, Putting on the New Self
An essential part of spiritual growth involves “putting to death” our old sinful nature and taking on new attitudes and behaviors consistent with our new life in Christ. Ephesians 4:22-24 instructs us: “Put off your old self, which belongs to your former manner of life and is corrupt through deceitful desires, and to be renewed in the spirit of your minds, and to put on the new self, created after the likeness of God in true righteousness and holiness.”
As we intentionally replace old sinful patterns with new godly ones, we are transformed by the renewal of our minds (Romans 12:2). Our desires change from pleasing self to pleasing God. Sins that once seemed impossible to overcome gradually lose their grip as we focus on Christ.
Increasing in Theological Wisdom
As we develop in our understanding of God’s character and ways – theology – our spiritual life grows firmer foundations. With wisdom we are better equipped to discern truth from falsehood, right from wrong. We guard against dangerous deception and heresy.
Colossians 1:9-10 captures Paul’s desire for believers to grow in spiritual wisdom and understanding: “And so, from the day we heard, we have not ceased to pray for you, asking that you may be filled with the knowledge of his will in all spiritual wisdom and understanding, so as to walk in a manner worthy of the Lord, fully pleasing to him.”
Cultivating a Heart for God
The key to spiritual maturity is developing a heart devoted completely to God – loving, obeying, and seeking him above all else. Every other area flows out of a genuine love relationship with God. If our faith becomes dry and dutiful, returning to our first love is imperative (Revelation 2:4-5).
The Lord searches and knows our hearts intimately (1 Chronicles 28:9). He desires truth and sincerity of heart more than external religious practices (Joel 2:12-13). As our hearts grow towards God, our lives follow.
Being Transformed into Christ’s Likeness
The ultimate goal of spiritual development is to be transformed into the likeness of Jesus Christ. Romans 8:29 tells us God predestined us “to be conformed to the image of his Son.” 2 Corinthians 3:18 says, “And we all, with unveiled face, beholding the glory of the Lord, are being transformed into the same image from one degree of glory to another.”
This process will only be completed when Christ returns, but it begins at the moment of salvation. The more we grow in godly character and holy conduct, the more we reflect Christ’s image to the world around us.
Pursuing Full Maturity in Christ
We must make our goal nothing short of full spiritual maturity in Christ. Hebrews 6:1 encourages us, “Let us leave the elementary doctrine of Christ and go on to maturity.” While salvation happens in an instant, becoming like Christ is a lifelong process of growth.
Philippians 3:12-15 depicts Paul’s relentless pursuit of Christlikeness: “Not that I have already obtained this or am already perfect, but I press on to make it my own, because Christ Jesus has made me his own … forgetting what lies behind and straining forward to what lies ahead, I press on toward the goal for the prize of the upward call of God in Christ Jesus.”
As we walk with wisdom and persistence towards maturity in Christ, we will experience increasing fruitfulness and blessing – both personally and in our ministry to others. Our lives will reflect God’s glory and draw others to know Jesus.