There are many misunderstandings and misconceptions that keep people from growing in spiritual maturity of Jesus Christ. Here are seven ways you may not have considered that can grow you spiritually.
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There are many things that we can grow in. We all exert ourselves in one way or another to become better at something: careers, parenting, marriages, sports, music, instruments, video games, fitness, dieting, theology, bible study, friendships, bank accounts, and more!
The question we must ask ourselves is, "What am I growing in?" We want to be sure we're growing in what matters most - into the likeness and image of Jesus Christ by our character and nature.
If becoming like Jesus Christ is our bullseye to growing, then we need to now "HOW" we can grow.
Here is the fifth of seven ways we can grow to become more like Jesus that you may or may not have considered . . . .
Way 5 - LOVE PEOPLE
MOVE CLOSER
“The second is this: ‘You shall love your neighbor as yourself.’ There is no other commandment greater than these.”
- Mark 12:31
Growing occurs by loving your neighbor as yourself. All humanity was created in the image of God. Therefore, every person is an image-bearer in representing God here on this earth. Since all are image-bearers, we all have value, worth, and dignity that is deeper than what the eye can see. A person’s value, worth, and dignity isn’t found in what someone possesses materialistically, intellectually, physically, financially, or even spiritually. Rather, it is found in God’s thumb print on a person, that they are created in his image.
“So God created man in his own image, in the image of God he created him; male and female he created them.” - Genesis 1:27
The gospel demands and demonstrates that we love others. Ultimately, God demonstrates the pinnacle of this unconditional love for us in the gospel.
“For God so loved the world, that he gave his only son, that whoever believes in him should not perish but have eternal life.” - John 3:16
From the fall of humanity when sin entered the world and separated us from God, God has intricately, purposefully, and lovingly moved closer to us. All through the Old Testament, God is gradually moving closer to his chosen people. The immanence (nearness) of God moving closer into intimate relationship with his chosen people is a theme seen throughout the entirety of scripture from Genesis to Revelation. As God moves closer to commune with us in fellowship, we as an overflow move closer to one another.
As God moves closer to commune with us in fellowship, we as an overflow move closer to one another.
We get to fulfill the innate relational craving of intimacy, nearness, and closeness with God’s people, Christ’s bride. In conclusion, we draw near in fellowship with one another because God has drawn near to us in the most unthinkable unconditionally loving way one could imagine, through the death and resurrection of his only Son.
Let our love for others be steadfast, unfailing, and resilient as was Christ’s love for us in going to the cross. Day by day, continue to grow your love for people. It’s the next step to how we grow.
Look for Part 6 of 7 Ways We Grow.
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Want more? Purchase "How We Grow: What is a Disciple?" by Adam Erlichman for more ways to grow in your spiritual maturity to become more like Christ day in and day out. A series of short reads for Everyday Christians answering common questions for the Christian life.
AUTHOR
Adam Erlichman
Executive Director of Build Groups in North Dallas, TX. Former Life Groups/Discipleship Pastor at Midway Church. Author of the newly released short reads series for Everyday Christians How We Grow. Now available for purchase on Amazon.
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