2 Peter 1: 5-8; 2 Timothy 2: 15
“For this very reason, applying your diligence [to the divine promises, make every effort] in [exercising] your faith to, develop moral excellence, and in moral excellence, knowledge (insight, understanding), 6 and in your knowledge, self-control, and in your self-control, steadfastness, and in your steadfastness, godliness, 7 and in your godliness, brotherly affection, and in your brotherly affection, [develop Christian] love [that is, learn to unselfishly seek the best for others and to do things for their benefit]. 8 For as these qualities are yours and are increasing [in you as you grow toward spiritual maturity], they will keep you from being useless and unproductive in regard to the true knowledge and greater understanding of our Lord Jesus Christ”.
Spiritual growth is the process of becoming mature in the Christian faith. The goal is to become more like Jesus in our daily living and interactions. Just like any other growth in life, spiritual growth requires effort and it is a process. In 2 Peter 1: 5-8, Apostle Peter outlines a pathway to Christian maturity.
Growth is expected of any living thing – the sign of life is the evidence of growth. So if Jesus lives in us, then we are not to remain stagnant as baby Christians, but move on to maturity – however, it is a journey; but one that is very rewarding and worthwhile!
2 Peter 1: 5-8 simulates a building block where one virtue is layered on top of another progressively. However, these virtues do not just fall on us automatically; they have to be cultivated prayerfully, and in the study of God’s word. The three essential ingredients necessary for building these blocks (or cultivating these virtues) are Devotion, Diligence, and Discipline. Stay with me as we unpack these items one by one.
Devotion – Is loyalty and faithfulness to a cause. It is an attachment and commitment to a cause. Devotion implies a profound dedication to a cause. To grow spiritually, we have to be willing and committed to that venture. You will have to set spiritual goals and put in the necessary effort required to achieve such goals. Three essential elements of devotion are obedience (to God’s instructions), faithfulness (in big and little things), and selflessness (it’s all about Christ, our hope of glory).
Diligence – Is careful and persistent work. Earnest effort in accomplishing a task. Diligence involves taking the pain to do what is needful. God does not reward laziness! For a plant to grow, it needs to be watered, weeded, and manured – these are efforts required for the growth. Every effort required for spiritual growth must be exercised towards our set goals. Study of the Bible is not to be taken lightly; also fasting, praying, and reading Christian books are examples of some efforts that would foster spiritual growth and maturity.
Discipline – Is possessing a sense of mission. It is operating as required, and not as convenient. Discipline includes setting boundaries necessary for self-control. Discipline is a key element essential for success in any endeavor. To be able to attain great spiritual heights we have to be disciplined to accomplish the required tasks whether it is convenient or not.
The Christian life is that of discipline! Keeping a consistent devotional time, engaging in Biblical studies, living a lifestyle of prayer, attending services consistently, sitting in God’s presence, are all hinged on discipline!
If we are careful to build with these three ingredients, our spiritual growth will spring forth speedily and evidently!