Spiritual Growth: Measures for How Youre Doing

In my yard are quarter-circles of grass growing taller than the rest. There 's also a 12-foot circle with no grass. What explains these phenomena? Alien laser blasts? A Martian landing site? No. The arcs are where we threw lawn fertilizer, and the circle is where the above-ground pool stood. Whether growth is fast, slow, or non-existent, the difference is easy to discern.

Paul tells his opponents to stop using worldly yardsticks instead of God's (2 Cor. 10:12). By a worldling's measure, Paul seemed a failure, but in God's eyes he was a glorious conqueror. By what standards should we measure spiritual progress?

  • Spiritual diet: meat vs. milk (1 Cor. 3:1-2). Am I learning more of God's Word, going broader and deeper than ever before? Or am I just rehashing what I've known for years, or worse yet, not reading and studying at all?

  • Spiritual model: Jesus Christ (Eph. 4:13). We measure our growth not by comparing ourselves with others, but with Christ. My life is guided not just by WWJD (what would Jesus do?), but also by WWJT (think) and WWJB (be). It is not just actions but also thoughts and motives that measure maturity.

  • Spiritual character: the fruit of the Spirit (Gal. 5:22-23). Am I growing in love, in joy, in peace, in patience, in kindness, in goodness, in faithfulness, in gentleness, and in self-control? It's like a cluster of grapes: each matures on its own--patience may be green while joy is ripe. Yet they all mature together.

  • Spiritual offspring: those you teach (Heb. 5:12). The ability to instruct others in the faith is a mark of maturity. The immature cannot reproduce. How are you doing at being able to share the gospel with someone else? God blesses the heart that is devoted to Him. Will you settle for no-growth or slow-growth by devoting yourself to worldly pursuits or giving the Lord half-hearted effort? Or will you put your heart and soul into maturing in Christ? Either way, the difference will soon be evident.

    Copyright ©2005 Steve Singleton, All rights reserved.

    Steve Singleton has written and edited several books and numerous articles on subjects of interest to Bible students. He has taught Greek, Bible, and religious studies courses Bible college, university, and adult education programs. He has taught seminars and workshops in 11 states and the Caribbean.

    Go to his DeeperStudy.com for Bible study resources, no matter what your level of expertise. Explore "The Shallows," plumb "The Depths," or use the well-organized "Study Links" for original sources in English translation. Sign up for Steve's free "DeeperStudy Newsletter."

    In The News:


  • pen paper and inkwell


    cat break through


    Anam Chara - The Flow of Life

    I am deeply drawn to the above Irish Blessing.This blessing... Read More

    Ego, Duality, and Paradise (Why You Cant Get to Paradise on an Ego Trip)

    If you've been on a conscious spiritual journey for any... Read More

    How Psychic Are You?

    To find out how psychic you are, try answering the... Read More

    A Walk With A King

    I seemed to have lost my heart. Now this is... Read More

    Let Go and Let God

    As a child growing up, whenever I was worried about... Read More

    Unfinished Woman

    I'm at that place in life many refer to as... Read More

    The Good, The Bad, And The Ugly

    That we must live with imperfections is a fact of... Read More

    Trailing Clouds of Glory

    Most of us are familiar with the inner criticism and... Read More

    How Much Do You Love Me?

    Love...it's a deep emotion. Sometimes we say it in jest... Read More

    Its Ok To Be Human

    One of the things I have had to deal with... Read More

    Being a Christian

    What is a Christian? According to The American Heritage® Dictionary... Read More

    If I Were Satan: Medicine and Faith From Hell

    If you were Satan and your goal is to destroy... Read More

    Why Is Your Prayer Of Faith Lacking Results?

    About a month ago I opened up my bible in... Read More

    Recognizing Self

    I come face to face with self whenever you come... Read More

    Was There a Better Way?

    Whenever, we have a task or project to carry out... Read More

    Spiritual Surrender: Let Nature Be Your Teacher

    Although spring is just around the corner, there have been... Read More

    Christianity - Not a White Mans Religion

    Christianity: White man's religion?Martin Luther King referred to Sunday as... Read More

    By Their Fruits Ye Shall Know Them

    Military personnel at a U.S. prison in Guantanamo, Bay, Cuba... Read More

    Believe-Dont Doubt; Give Thanks-and Receive!

    Does this ever happen to you? You ask God for... Read More

    Dear Lord

    As I sit here and ponder my existence my heart... Read More

    Do You Make These 3 Mistakes In Your Christian Life?

    You're probably sabotaging your successful Christian life right now if... Read More

    Will Science Get Closer To God Than Religion Has?

    A subject of debate for thousands of years, spirituality will... Read More

    We Fall Down -- But We Get Up

    When I first heard Donnie McClurkin's song, "We Fall Down... Read More

    Power of God Makes Life Easier

    When the storms in your life are raging, just believe,... Read More

    The Power of Angels -- An Interview With Rose Ann Schwab, Part Two

    Rose Ann Schwab is an internationally and world renowned professional... Read More

    Is The Person You Think About The Most Missing Gods Point?

    Matthew 22:37-39 Jesus said unto him, "Thou shalt love the... Read More

    The Purpose of Life, Told by an Agnostic

    Talked to an interesting person today at a coffee shop,... Read More

    Life After Life - Death Is Merely a Changing Room

    Since I awoke from my three month coma in August... Read More

    Our King Complex

    When King David was old and well advanced in years?... Read More

    5 Paper Management Tips for Christians

    My favorite scripture is Roman's 8:28. "And we know that... Read More

    Who Are You Really?

    You are a spiritual being. You recognize something in you... Read More

    Here To Stay

    I am disturbed by the tendency of some people to... Read More

    Echos Transition

    Echo was a flea-bitten gray horse, with brown speckles everywhere,... Read More