How to Grow in Christ

Posted on 04/29/2024 in General |

Too often Christians seek to grow as a Christian by seeking to develop Christ like traits. We think about a trait and work hard to develop it. For example, I want to be more patient with people. I decide that I need to develop patience. I pray for patience; I learn techniques to be patient and try to be patient. But that is not the way we grow as a Christian. Paul says in Galatians 3:1, “Let me ask you only this: Did you receive the Spirit by works of the law or by hearing with faith?” We do not grow by our effort to do better but by the Spirit.

How does the Spirit help us to grow? We discipline ourselves to focus on Christ. We seek to worship Christ, fill our lives with Christ’s word, we see to commune with Him in prayer, serve Him, tell others about Him, so that our lives are filled with Christ. As our hearts are filled with Christ, we get to know Him. Paul said that his one great desire was to know Christ. (Philippians 3:10). Christian growth is disciplining ourselves to know Jesus more every day.

For example, if I want to be more patient, I reflect on the patience of Christ with me. Jesus does not give up on me. He is patient with me, He is long suffering with me, even though I fail him, He keeps loving me. When I think about how much patience, He has for me, I cannot help but be patient with others. When I reflect on his goodness, and sovereignty and His promise to make me more like Him, I cannot help but be patient and long suffering in my circumstance.

If you want to grow in Christian virtues don’t try harder, seek Jesus harder.

For Further Study Read: Galatians 5:16-16