Peter calls upon Christians to grow spiritually. “But also for this very reason, giving all diligence, add to your faith virtue, to virtue knowledge, to knowledge self-control, to self-control perseverance, to perseverance godliness, to godliness brotherly kindness, and to brotherly kindness love” (2 Peter 1:5-7). He supplies motivation, “For if these things are yours and abound, you will be neither barren nor unfruitful in the knowledge of our Lord Jesus Christ” (1:8). He also warns of a lack of growth, “For he who lacks these things is shortsighted, even to blindness, and has forgotten that he was cleansed from his old sins” (1:9).
As it is with physical growth, certain things must be present in order to grow spiritually.
We must have good nutrition. Spiritually, we feed on God’s word. Both the milk (cf. 1 Peter 2:2), and the meat (Hebrews 5:13-14). It is the purpose of scripture to equip us to do His will. “All Scripture is given by inspiration of God, and is profitable for doctrine, for reproof, for correction, for instruction in righteousness, 17 that the man of God may be complete, thoroughly equipped for every good work” (2 Timothy 3:16-17). Jesus says, “It is the Spirit who gives life; the flesh profits nothing. The words that I speak to you are spirit, and they are life” (John 6:63).
We must exercise ourselves spiritually. Nutrition and exercise go hand and hand to keep us physically strong. This is true spiritually as well. The stronger we get the more we can handle. “For everyone who partakes only of milk is unskilled in the word of righteousness, for he is a babe. But solid food belongs to those who are of full age, that is, those who by reason of use have their senses exercised to discern both good and evil” (Hebrews 5:13-14). It is useless to have God’s will in hand, if we don’t use it. Wielding the sword of the Spirit brings strength, dexterity and skill. As Paul writes, “But reject profane and old wives’ fables, and exercise yourself toward godliness. For bodily exercise profits a little, but godliness is profitable for all things, having promise of the life that now is and of that which is to come” (1 Timothy 4:7-8).
We must live a spiritually disciplined lifestyle. Paul uses the example of a dedicated athlete to make this point. “Do you not know that those who run in a race all run, but one receives the prize? Run in such a way that you may obtain it. And everyone who competes for the prize is temperate in all things. Now they do it to obtain a perishable crown, but we for an imperishable crown. Therefore I run thus: not with uncertainty. Thus I fight: not as one who beats the air. But I discipline my body and bring it into subjection, lest, when I have preached to others, I myself should become disqualified” (1 Corinthians 9:24-27). Moral discipline, steadfastness and focus are necessary for spiritual growth. It doesn’t happen by osmosis, or magic. It takes diligence… a decision to live as God wills. Paul writes, “I beseech you therefore, brethren, by the mercies of God, that you present your bodies a living sacrifice, holy, acceptable to God, which is your reasonable service. And do not be conformed to this world, but be transformed by the renewing of your mind, that you may prove what is that good and acceptable and perfect will of God” (Romans 12:1-2).
It is important to know that without such discipline and effort, we grow weaker. We do not remain in stasis. It is either a step forward, or a step back. Muscles that are not used atrophy. That is why one who has had surgery needs rehab. That is why the limbs of the paralyzed wither. If we are not growing spiritually, then our hearts will grow dull and unresponsive to the word of God (cf. Matthew 13:15). Our love will grow cold (cf. Matthew 24:12). Prayer will no longer hold a central place in our daily lives (cf. 1 Thessalonians 5:23). Our efforts to good will become less frequent (cf. Galatians 6:9). And, the appeal of the flesh will grow stronger (cf. Ephesians 4:22).
In contrast, how will I know that I am growing spiritually? I will be both speaking the truth in love, and living it (cf. Ephesians 4:13-15). I will be faithfully fulfilling my responsibilities in the local congregation (cf. Ephesians 4:16). My personal faith will be growing (cf. 2 Thessalonians 1:3). I will be growing in the grace and knowledge of the Lord (cf. 2 Peter 3:18). And, I will be putting away from myself any sinful attitudes or conduct (cf. 1 Peter 2:1-2).
Each of us has a choice, progression or regression. Paul exhorts, “Walk in the Spirit, and you shall not fulfill the lust of the flesh” (Galatians 5:16). Our spiritual “tug-of-war” will end well only if we grow stronger every day. Otherwise, the flesh will gain ascendancy. It is an ongoing process, that brings strength and proficiency. Consider Paul’s words, “Not that I have already attained, or am already perfected; but I press on, that I may lay hold of that for which Christ Jesus has also laid hold of me. Brethren, I do not count myself to have apprehended; but one thing I do, forgetting those things which are behind and reaching forward to those things which are ahead, I press toward the goal for the prize of the upward call of God in Christ Jesus” (Philippians 3:12-14).
We each have a choice. We can grow and mature, and secure for ourselves an eternal standing with God (cf. 2 Peter 1:10-11). Or, we can be idle and drift away in apostasy (cf. Hebrews 2:1). Which will you choose?
