There are definite signs that let you know your child is growing? Their appetite increases, they fall asleep before bedtime, and their ankles can be seen from under the bottom of their pants. My youngest son is twelve. Lately he’s been growing by leaps and bounds. He’s 5’7, his foot is a size 11, and his voice is changing. I miss my baby! Nonetheless, the signs are visible that he’s growing into a young man.
How about you? How do you and I know when we’re growing spiritually? Just as there are sure signs your child is growing, there are sure signs that you and I are growing spiritually as well.
Here are some of the ways I measure my spiritual growth:
Do I have an increase hunger to know God more intimately?
Am I more aware of sin in my life?
Do I have a desire to be used of God for others?
I’m I trusting God more often than not?
Have I developed a deeper love for God and long to spend time with Him in His Word?
All these are sure signs that you and I are growing spiritually, but I have to be honest. Sometimes I fall short and don’t measure up. Like physical growth, we all grow at different rates spiritually too. When I don’t seem to be making progress, I find encouragement by looking back over the past year to see how far I’ve come. Even a little growth is a sure sign that you and I are growing into a spiritually mature child of God.
Melanie says
This was good. My almost 12 year old must be a late bloomer!
The SPAM challenge – what a great idea!
Melanie@Bella~Mella
Casey S. says
I can tell I’m growing. I want to open my bible. I can’t wait to read the daily devotions and see what application steps I can use. I’m constantly praying and thanking God, not just when something doesn’t seem to be going my way. 🙂 I’m beginning to get IT! It’s amazing to me. My eyes are opening. I just wish it wouldn’t have taken me sooo long.
Thank you Micca.
Lisa V. says
Yeah I really do think that I’m going through a spiritual growth spurt. In the past weeks I’ve been thinking of how often my thoughts turn to Him. I find that I look forward to the next time I can read His Word. On those days when I don’t make the time for that quiet time with Him, my day isn’t the same. Also, I feel that God is working in me to really help me understand that what I voice as trusting Him isn’t quite as it should be. God is impressing on me that giving him partial trust, whether 10% or 75% isn’t good enough. Only 100% will do. That’s been a challenge for me, but I’m aware and I’m acknowledging it and praying about it and quite hopeful that I’m going to get there because He is leading me. I’m so excited to be in this season of my relationship with Him.
JottinMama says
Such good questions to ask ourselves! Like you – when I don’t seem to be making progress, it helps to look back to see how far I’ve come. I use my journal for this and its really encouraging 🙂
Thanks so much!
Have a great week,
Kate 🙂