Yesterday I wrote about two of the four common myths surrounding spiritual growth. Here are the remaining two …
Myth number three: Spiritual growth is based on a single experience. Our culture (especially late-night television) tells us that we can buy real estate with no money down and lose weight in only 90 seconds a day. We live in a quick-fix culture. Don’t work, don’t worry. Many Christ-followers buy into this thinking as well. “I’m only one video or one class or one seminar away from spiritual growth.”
The truth is: spiritual growth is not one single experience but an accumulation of experiences. In Ephesians 4:11-13, Paul describes the goal for every believer as growing up into maturity. The last time I checked, it takes 35 years to go from a newborn baby to a 35-year-old person. There are no shortcuts.
Myth number four: Spiritual growth is about gathering information only. Some people believe, “If I know the Bible, that means I am spiritually mature.” While it certainly doesn’t hurt, it’s only part of the picture. If we’re not careful, we’ll create an environment that fills our head but doesn’t move our hearts or our hands.
The truth is: spiritual growth comes when we put God’s Word into practice. James 1:22 is pretty clear: “Do not merely listen to the word, and so deceive yourselves. Do what it says.” Most believers don’t need another Bible study; they need a place to get involved.
To listen to the full message, visit our podcast.