Any and every believer needs to have a personal growth strategy in Christ. Personal growth in Christ refers to the continuous development of an individual’s spiritual, emotional, and moral aspects within the framework of Christian beliefs. Personal growth in Christ involves deepening one’s relationship with Jesus Christ, embracing Christian virtues, and striving for a Christ-like character through prayer, studying and applying scripture, and living out the teachings of our faith.
One of my undergrad professors, Keith Drury, often reminded us, “The most important thing in your life and gift you can give to others is your personal relationship with Jesus Christ.” Personal growth in Christ (spiritual development) is crucial as it nurtures the inner essence of an individual, providing meaning, purpose, and a moral compass. Further, it fosters resilience, compassion, and a deeper connection beyond the material to our living Savior, contributing to a more fulfilling and balanced life.
Picture a skilled sailor embarking on a voyage across the vast ocean. In our spiritual journey, Christ is the North Star, offering guidance and purpose. Just as a sailor charts a course, let us embrace a personal growth strategy, navigating the depths of our faith. Without intentional direction, we risk drifting aimlessly. So, let this journey be marked by purposeful steps as we set sail with Christ, ensuring that each day brings us closer to the destination of spiritual maturity and a deeper connection with our Savior.
In 2 Peter 3:18, it’s written, “But grow in the grace and knowledge of our Lord and Savior Jesus Christ. To him be the glory both now and to the day of eternity. Amen.” This verse highlights the importance of continual growth, both in understanding God’s grace and deepening your knowledge of Christ. Let me share four aspects that ought to be added to every believer’s personal growth strategy in Christ:
Aspect #1 is that every believer needs to be sustained by God’s Word. The psalmist proclaims, “Your word is a lamp to my feet and a light to my path” (Psalm 119:105). Scripture serves as a guiding compass in our spiritual journey, offering wisdom, moral principles, and a connection to God’s higher meaning for our lives. God’s Word provides a framework for understanding life’s purpose, fostering personal growth, and shaping ethical decisions by grounding us in the Lord and the principles He has laid out for us. A.W. Tozer explained “The Bible is not only a book which was once spoken, but a book which is now speaking.”
Aspect #2 is that every believer needs to be rooted in prayer. Paul describes in Philippians 4:6-7 that prayer is a dynamic dialogue with God. It has the transformative power to spiritually nurture us, instill inner peace, and foster resilience. Further, it serves as a channel for seeking guidance, finding strength in challenging times, and cultivating a sense of purpose, contributing significantly to one’s personal growth and spiritual development. C.S. Lewis wonderfully expressed the importance of prayer in his life when he wrote, “I pray because I can’t help myself. I pray because I’m helpless. I pray because the need flows out of me all the time, waking and sleeping. It doesn’t change God. It changes me.” C.S. Lewis understood the transformative nature of prayer in the life of the believer.
Aspect #3 is that every believer needs to be in genuine community with other believers. The writer of Hebrews explains in Hebrews 10:24-25 that genuine community with fellow Christians is crucial as it provides support, encouragement, and a shared spiritual journey. It fosters a sense of belonging, allows for collective worship, and offers opportunities for growth through shared experiences, accountability, and the manifestation of love and compassion within the Christian family. Think about it. Genuine Christian community is exemplified by the presence of God manifested through love for one another, truth spoken to one another, where grace is shown to one another, and lives are transformed.
Aspect #4 is that every believer needs to be involved in sacrificial kingdom service. One foundational scripture supporting the importance of such service is found in Mark 10:45, “For even the Son of Man came not to be served but to serve, and to give his life as a ransom for many.” This verse underscores Jesus’ sacrificial service as the ultimate example for believers. Through sacrificial kingdom service, we get to be on mission with Jesus to grow in knowing Him and making Him known. Sacrificial kingdom service is vital for personal growth in Christ as it aligns with the selfless example set by Jesus and fosters a deepening of faith.
We need to cultivate a personal growth strategy in Christ. In 1 Timothy 4:7-8, Paul writes to his young protégé Timothy, encouraging him to avoid teachings contrary to our Christian faith at all costs. We must exercise ourselves by diligently living according to the truth of the gospel so that we will grow in godliness. He states that while bodily exercise benefits us in this life, spiritual discipline (exercise) brings a full life now and into eternity. Beyond a doubt, personal growth in Christ involves both a willingness to change and a commitment to living out one’s faith actively and authentically, which necessitates cultivating a personal growth strategy in Christ.
Imagine a well-tended garden flourishing with diverse flowers. In our spiritual journey, Christ is the soil, and personal growth is the intentional cultivation. Without a strategy, we risk spiritual stagnation. Just as a gardener tends to each plant uniquely, let us nurture our faith through being sustained by God’s Word, rooted in prayer, being in genuine community, and involved in sacrificial kingdom service, allowing our lives to bloom in Christ. Remember, a garden left unattended withers, so let us commit to a purposeful strategy for continual growth in our walk with the Lord. After all, as Keith Drury said, “The most important thing in your life and gift you can give to others is your personal relationship with Jesus Christ.” Soli Deo Gloria (Glory to God Alone)!