Throughout God’s Word we see examples of Christ followers who gave thanks for the spiritual growth they had witnessed in others (2 Thessalonians 1:3). These passages make it clear that once the seed of faith has been planted in one’s heart, this seed is to grow. We are to water and nurture our faith so it becomes mature, lacking nothing (James 1:4).

While many Christians talk about the importance of spiritual growth and many sermons have been preached regarding its importance, it does not appear that this growth process is as prevalent in the lives of believers as it should be. This raises an important question. What is the path to spiritual growth?

Many Christians would answer that we need to obtain more knowledge of God’s Word. It would appear logical that as we grow in knowledge and memorize more Scripture, the natural outcome will be spiritual transformation. But is it? In Christ’s day few people knew the Scriptures better than the Pharisees. A man holding this title would have memorized the entire Old Testament. Yet Christ often spoke of the shallowness of their faith, even though their scriptural knowledge was superior.

The apostle Paul made it clear that knowledge by itself will not lead to transformation, but will result in pride. While knowledge puffs up, love builds up (1 Corinthians 8:1). Knowledge is not the only ingredient needed to develop our faith. We also need the ingredient of love. But what must we love so that our faith grows into something vital, strong, and God glorifying? The answer is found in the next two verses. Here we learn that a man who thinks he has knowledge may not have a meaningful relationship with the Father. But the man who loves God will be known by God (1 Corinthians 8:2, 3).

What does it mean to love God? After all, we say we love a lot of things. We love pizza. We love a good vacation. We love God. The word “love” has a host of different meanings in our culture. This is why it is not enough to say we love God and then expect that our profession will somehow lead to spiritual transformation. Our love for him needs to be put into action. In order to do so, however, we need to discover what God’s love language is so we can love him appropriately.

Jesus answered this question when he said, “If you love me, you will obey what I command” (John 14:15). Our love for God is expressed by our obedience to him. As we follow his commands our faith will develop and we will grow in the knowledge of God’s Word while loving him through our faithful commitment to it. This raises a problem for some. In our self-willed society we often do not respond positively when someone commands us to do something. We feel like someone else’s burden is being placed on our backs. This is why the commands of Christ are so precious. Since Christ has our best interests in mind, his commands are never burdensome (1 John 5:3).

As a result, we will be transformed into his likeness as we follow his will (2 Corinthians 3:18). Sometimes this transformative process will be difficult. At other times it will seem downright painful. But one thing is for sure; it will never be burdensome. This is why as we develop our faith we are to consider God’s work in us to be pure joy. For we know that the testing of our faith develops perseverance, and that perseverance produces maturity (James 1:2-4). So let us embrace God’s commands and love him with passionate obedience. This is the path to spiritual growth. May we walk it faithfully. |L

OUTLOOK is a forum for responsible Christian writers. The views expressed do not necessarily reflect those of Standard Publishing or The Lookout.

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July 12, 2009 - Letting the past go
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May 31, 2009 - A tribute to one of my heroes
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March 8, 2009 - Conversation over shoes
February 22, 2009 - By their plurals you shall know them
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October 21, 2007 - The dividing line
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