How to increase your spiritual growth and become closer to God:
- Point 3 – Improve your relationship with God:
- Through Prayer – 1 Chron. 16:11, “Seek the Lord and his strength; seek his presence continually!” Communicating to God in prayer is the number one way to draw closer to Him. Speak to God about everything that is in your mind. Be specific in your prayers and have good motives. More importantly, during your prayer time, allocate some quiet time so you can hear from God. That’s how you seek and enjoy his presence. . There is a song that says, “Prayer is the key, Prayer is the master key, Jesus started with prayer and ended with prayer, Prayer is the master key” – Jesus prayed continuously during his time on earth. So, we should also adopt that habit and make prayer a part of our lives. Pray without ceasing and talk to God steadfastly, He’s always ready to listen. The more consistent your prayers are, the more you will enjoy being in his presence. As you seek His presence, you are drawing closer to Him.
- Through the studying of His Word – 2 Peter. 1: 5,8, “…. add to your faith virtue, to virtue knowledge. 8) For if these things are yours and abound, you will be neither barren nor unfruitful in the knowledge of our Lord Jesus Christ.” We gain knowledge by studying the word of God and consequently, we become more fruitful. Matt.4:4, “…. Man shall not live by bread alone, but by every word that proceeds from the mouth of God.” We must live by The Word. God is closer to us when His words become ours and that Word abides in us. John.15:7 says, “If you abide in me, and my words abide in you, youwill ask what you desire, and it shall be done for you.” Spiritual maturity will come when God and His words are in you.
- Point 4 – Engage yourself in biblical discussions with non-believers –
Simply encouraging a non-believer with the word of God can spark conversations that could draw them closer to God. Allowing your light to shine before others; both Christians and non-Christians, could also draw others to Christ. Matt.5:16 says, “Let your light so shine before men, that they may see your good works and glorify your Father in heaven.” As others approach you about God and you speak more about Him, the more you will actually understand Him. As you gain more understanding of Him, the more you will grow. Very importantly, be mindful of how you speak during these discussions, ensure your speech is gracious and full of kindness (Col.4:6). Don’t engage in arguments about the truth of the bible with those whose hearts are hardened. Rom.14:1, “Receive one who is weak in the faith, but not to dispute over doubtful things.” Remember that God has not given you the spirit of fear, he has given you the power of the Holy spirit to boldly be his witness in the world.
We will discuss the last point in Part 4.
Prayer: Father, I want to be close to you so that I can understand you the way that I should. I know that the more I understand you, the easier it will be to accept my situation and talk about you with others. Lord, give me the strength and grace to dedicate my time for prayers and studying your word. Give me the boldness to speak to others about you. In Jesus name, amen.
Spiritual Maturity Part 1
Spiritual Maturity Part 2
Spiritual Maturity Part 4