By, Mike Riley
In 2 Corinthians 10:12, Paul tells his opponents that one way to correctly measure spiritual growth is to discontinue using worldly yardsticks, and begin using God’s yardstick (2 Corinthians 10:13). By the world’s measure, Paul seemed a failure, but in God’s eyes he was a glorious conqueror (Romans 8:31-39). In this article, let us briefly look at four biblical standards by which we can accurately measure spiritual growth.
1) Spiritual Diet Meat vs. Milk (1 Corinthians 3:1-2). Are we studying and learning more about God’s Word, going broader and deeper than ever before, or are we satisfied with what we’ve known for years, or worse yet, not reading and studying at all? (2 Timothy 2:15).
2) Spiritual Model Jesus Christ (Ephesians 4:13). We measure our growth not by comparing ourselves with others, but with Christ (1 John 2:6; cf. 1 Peter 2:21-23). As we look at the spiritual qualities in Jesus’ life, it’s not just His actions that are important, but His thoughts and motives as well that we must incorporate into our lives. All three are indicators which measure spiritual growth.
3) Spiritual Character The fruit of the Spirit (Gal. 5:22-23). Are we growing in love, in joy, in peace, in patience, in kindness, in goodness, in faithfulness, in gentleness, and in self-control?
4) Spiritual Offspring Those we teach (Hebrews 5:12-14). The ability to instruct others in the faith, is a mark of spiritual growth (2 Timothy 2:1-3). The immature cannot adequately reproduce. How are we doing at being able to share the gospel with someone else?
Conclusion
God blesses the heart that is devoted to Him (Job 13:15; Job 42:9-10). Will we settle for non-growth, or at best, slow-growth by devoting ourselves to worldly pursuits, or will we put our heart and soul into maturing spiritually in Christ? (Matthew 6:21). No matter which way we choose, the difference will soon be evident in our lives. Brethren, as the apostle Paul prayed, let us pray that we might be “filled with the knowledge of his will in all wisdom and spiritual understanding”, that we might “walk worthy of the Lord unto all pleasing, being fruitful in every good work, and increasing in the knowledge of God” (Colossians 1:9-10). Only then, can true spiritual growth and maturity be attained (Ephesians 4:13-15).