We all want to grow spiritually. We don’t want to be in the same place in our Christian growth that we were this time last year. But how do we do that? Here are 10 suggestions in no particular order:
- Stay up to date with what is going on in the culture. One way I do this is by listening to Albert Mohler’s The Briefing podcast each Monday through Friday. In the 25-minute program, Mohler looks at and analyzes the important news that Christians should be aware of.
- Learn from sermons, podcasts, and blogs. These days, with apps and the internet, you can access a tremendous amount of excellent Christian teaching. I enjoy the free Ligonier Ministries app, the Desiring God website, and Tim Challies A La Carte blog, along with many more on a regular basis.
- Read good books. I read books in a number of different genres – theology, Christian living, biography, sports, professional and personal development, leadership, integrating faith and work, etc. You can find more than 350 of my book reviews on Goodreads here.
- Participate in book clubs. In addition to reading good books, I find that I grow spiritually by participating in book clubs in which we read and discuss good books.
- Read the Bible. There are a number of good Bible reading plans, and translations of the Bible available. Personally, I prefer the English Standard Version (ESV). For my reading, I read through the Bible, and when I complete Revelation, I start back with Genesis.
- Devotional Reading. In addition to your daily Bible reading, reading a good devotional book will help you in your spiritual growth. My favorite devotional book of the past few years has been New Morning Mercies: A Daily Gospel Devotional by Paul Tripp.
- Church attendance. A key to spiritual growth is regular attendance at a good church. As you know there are many church denominations and non-denominational churches you can choose from. Choose a church that faithfully preaches and teaches the scriptures. My wife and I have been members of a church in the Presbyterian Church in America denomination for more than 25 years. At church you can benefit from the means of grace of baptism and gathering together with others for the preaching of the Word, the Lord’s supper and bible study. Iron definitely sharpens iron! The church is also a great way to find ways to serve others and love your neighbors.
- Join a Small Group at Church. Joining a small group will not only help you in your spiritual growth, but it is an excellent way to build strong relationships with people from your church. Some small groups may do a Bible study. Our small group discusses that morning’s sermon and its applications, along with praying for one another.
- Mentoring/discipling others. I’ve always enjoyed mentoring or discipling others. In addition to sharing from my experiences, I find I learn from those that I mentor/disciple. These relationships can take different forms, but at times they have included reading and discussing a book, or a book of the Bible.
- I’m not sure that I’ve met a Christian who is satisfied with their prayer life. I know I’m not. Don’t worry about it, just begin. There are a number of different methods people use for prayer, such as keeping a list, prayer cards, a prayer journal, etc. Choose what you are most comfortable with. I use the ACTS method for prayer:
A – Adoration
C – Confession
T – Thanksgiving
S – Supplication (requests)
Using this method of praying assures that I will put the adoration of God, the confession of my sins, and thanksgiving for the blessings he has given me ahead of any requests I bring to God.
These are just 10 suggestions on how to grow spiritually. There are many more. What would you add to my list?
