What Does a Growing Christian Look Like
As Christians, it’s easy to fall into a pattern of going through the motions. We know how to look the part, say the right things, and even shout “Hallelujah” when we feel like it. But the reality is that we are always called to be growing as followers of Jesus. The question we need to ask ourselves is: what does a growing Christian actually look like?
The Foundation of Christian Growth
Paul’s letter to the Philippians gives us incredible insight into what spiritual growth looks like. What makes Philippians unique among Paul’s letters is that it’s the only one where he doesn’t correct the church for doing something wrong. These believers had something that was working, and Paul was writing from prison with joy because of what God was doing in their lives.
The church in Philippi was made up of an unlikely group: Lydia, a successful businesswoman who sold purple cloth; a former slave girl who had been possessed by a demon; and a Roman jailer who had been suicidal. Yet God created a thriving, growing church from this diverse group of people.
What Does Spiritual Growth Really Look Like?
Just like growing a plant requires the right soil, consistent care, time, and patience, spiritual growth follows similar principles. Growth isn’t always obvious day after day. When you plant a seed, you keep watering it even though you don’t see anything happening, because you know growth is coming.
Many people say, “I’ve tried praying, I’ve tried reading my Bible, and it doesn’t work.” But we need to understand that growth is a lifelong process. Sometimes it’s not as obvious in the moment, but when we look back, we can see the fruits of growth in our lives.
1. Growing Christians Are Engaged in Gospel Relationships
Paul writes about the Philippians’ “partnership in the gospel.” The Greek word used here is “koinonia,” which describes a business partnership involving shared investment and shared risk. Gospel relationships are intentional and costly.
If you don’t have anyone in your life holding you accountable, walking alongside you on your journey toward Jesus, how is that working out for you? You need people in your life who will encourage you in your walk with the Lord, people who will pray for you and speak truth into your life.
These aren’t just friendships where you enjoy each other’s company. These are relationships where you’re pursuing Jesus together, talking about God’s word, and encouraging each other in faith. You need relationships that are gospel-centered and gospel-driven.
2. Growing Christians Trust God with the Process of Growth
One of the most encouraging verses in Scripture is Philippians 1:6: “He who began a good work in you will bring it to completion at the day of Jesus Christ.” This means God hasn’t brought you this far just to leave you there.
There’s often confusion about our role in spiritual growth. Some people think we do nothing and God does everything, while others believe we must do everything to save ourselves. Both are wrong. You are saved by faith in Jesus Christ alone – your works don’t save you. But there is work that results from being saved.
You cannot force spiritual growth, but you can provide good soil, consistent water, and make sure you’re in the sun. The growth beyond that is focused on Christ. Growing Christians trust God with the long view of their faith, resting in His promise to finish what He starts.
3. Growing Christians Pursue Mature Love and God-Honoring Lives
Paul prays that their “love may abound more and more with knowledge and all discernment.” Real spiritual maturity is marked by love – but this isn’t always easy. It’s hard to love people, but it becomes even harder when we forget how hard it is for God to love us. When we struggle to love others, we’ve forgotten what the gospel tells us about ourselves. We were lost, we turned our backs on God, yet He died for us while we were still sinners.
Love doesn’t mean being a doormat. Sometimes love requires boundaries to protect yourself and your family. But the first call on our lives is love – they will know us by our love for one another.
The Purpose Behind Growth
All of this spiritual growth has a direction: toward Christ-likeness and God’s glory. The purpose of our lives isn’t to shine the light on ourselves, but to reflect that light onto Him. As soon as we realize that the purpose of our life is to bring glory to Jesus Christ, we start entering into maturity.
You were made for God’s pleasure and God’s glory. The gospel isn’t meant to give you a healthy and wealthy life – it’s meant for you to glorify your Father in heaven with the life you live.
The Call to Faithfulness
Spiritual growth isn’t about intensity for one season – it’s about faithfulness over a lifetime. Eugene Peterson described his pastoral journey as “a long obedience in the same direction.” That’s what God calls us to.
Your responsibility is faithfulness. When you’re faithful to God, fruitfulness will follow. Keep showing up, keep reading, keep praying. Don’t let the enemy discourage you. If you continue to be faithful, you’ll look back and see fruitfulness in your life because you were faithful.
Life Application
This week, take an honest look at your spiritual growth. Are you engaged in gospel relationships that challenge and encourage you? Are you trusting God with the process of your growth rather than trying to force it or giving up entirely? Are you pursuing mature love even when it’s difficult?
Consider these questions as you reflect on your spiritual journey:
Who in your life holds you accountable and encourages you in your faith?
Are you trying to earn God’s love through your works, or are you resting in His grace while allowing that grace to produce fruit in your life?
How are you reflecting God’s glory rather than seeking your own comfort and preferences?
What might God be calling you to lay down or step into for the sake of spiritual growth?
Remember, God hasn’t brought you this far to leave you where you are. He’s committed to completing the good work He started in you. Your job is simply to remain faithful in the process.