SPIRITUAL GROWTH (5)

>>> RAW MATERIALS FOR SPIRITUAL GROWTH

TEXT: 2 Peter 3:18

If you deny a seed a fertile ground and water, you have deprived it of the necessary raw materials required for biological growth. The same way, there are vital spiritual ingredients (raw materials) required for a believer for growth and if missing, stagnation is inevitable.

(1) FERTILE GROUND

This refers to a suitable environment that aids growth. There are some environments that make it difficult and almost impossible to grow. Spiritual virtues that mastermind spiritual growth can be rendered impotent in certain circles. For example, if you take a fish from water and put it on land expecting it to grow; that would be a waste of time and expectation. Samuel’s growth was not in his parent’s house but in another man’s house. If you desire to grow spiritually you may have to walk away from associations/friendships/relationships that retard your growth, push you down and draw you backward. Some phone numbers would have to be deleted from your phone so that you can concentrate and focus on spiritual and eternal things. You must eliminate some places that you used to go to which have never helped your (spiritual) life. You may have to painfully let go of that (ungodly) relationship for it is time to grow!

(2) RIGHT ATTITUDE

This implies your mind set; it must be correct. You will have to change your attitude to the things of God. Fellowship is beyond just gathering together and doing the same thing; it is an avenue to spiritual growth. When God’s people gather Heaven releases virtues and grace (see SPIRIT SWORD tomorrow) which catalyse spiritual growth.

(3) SPIRITUAL HUNGER (Matthew 5:6)

You must develop/possess a desperate hunger and passion to grow. It takes desperate people to do desperate things.

“For I will pour water upon him that is thirsty, and floods upon the dry ground: I will pour my spirit upon thy seed, and my blessing upon thine offspring” (Isaiah 44:3).

(4) HUMILITY

You need humility to grow. Humility births grace and grace fuels growth. It takes humility for you to be willing and available to learn under someone younger than you. Growth travels in the direction of grace not age. Those who are carried away with their ‘dates of birth’ are not candidates for spiritual growth. If you want to go (jump) up you must first bend low. If you want to grow, you must go low. You would need to acknowledge to God your emptiness and seek His fullness. You would need to seek help, clarification and knowledge from others if you must grow.

>>>TO BE CONTINUED TOMORROW

PRAYER: Lord, give me a heart compatible with spiritual growth in Jesus’ name. Amen.