Embracing Spiritual Growth
The concept of a personal relationship with God is also known as spiritual growth. This concept is at the root of what many refer to as the âspiritualâ part of being human. Spiritual growth is allowing the holy spirit to use His guiding power over our lives. Spiritual growth is a choice; it happens when a person is willing to experience personal growth. In fact, when you ask most spiritual leaders, they will say that it is not possible to do something unless you are willing to do it. This is because personal growth involves both the mind and the body. Think of it like a little seed that grows every time you exercise your faith.
Growth happens when a person changes something about themselves so that they can experience spiritual growth. Maybe it is spending some time praying and talking with God before your day starts, or perhaps is studying the Bible, or even showing gratefulness or lending a hand to someone in need. The idea is that when you change something in your life that gives you spiritual satisfaction, you get closer to God. You enhance your connection with Him and feel more at peace in His presence. For instance, I've found that writing down my prayers and reflections in a journal helps me stay focused on my spiritual journey and identify areas where I need guidance. I recall a particularly challenging time when I was struggling to find purpose, and I started volunteering at a local soup kitchen - it was there, in serving others, that I felt a sense of connection to my faith and a deeper understanding of God's love. This experience taught me that spiritual growth can also be found in the simplest acts of service, like listening to someone who needs to be heard or offering a kind word to a stranger.
Some people join a religious group with the idea that this change or this connection with the divine will naturally happen. The only way that this can be achieved is by willingly wanting to have a deeper understanding of God's love and doing something to make it happen. We need to have a personal desire to grow spiritually, and this cannot be forced. When we have the desire to accomplish something, we often meet our goals early and have more satisfaction and enjoy it more than what we might have experienced otherwise.
Blessed are those who hunger and thirst for righteousness, for they shall be satisfied. -Matthew 5:6
Increase your faith and trust in God and make every effort to add to your faith, knowledge of the word of God, and self-control, kindness, love, and perseverance. These qualities will help you achieve an authentic spiritual life and bring you into a more intimate walk with your Creator. Donât be afraid to open up to Him; He wants you to get close, and He will find ways for you to discover His presence in your life. If you genuinely want the spiritual growth you have been longing for, open your heart to His guidance, and you will find Him. One thing is for sure; spiritual growth can only begin to happen when you recognize Jesus Christ as your savior.
Those who belong to Christ Jesus have crucified the flesh with its passions and desires. Since we live by the Spirit, let us keep in step with the Spirit. Let us not become conceited, provoking and envying each other. -Galatians 5:24-26
