Growing in Faith: What Spiritual Development Looks Like

If you've ever attempted to grow a garden (or even keep a houseplant alive), you know that growth isn't always visible day-to-day. Sometimes you water and tend without seeing immediate results. Then suddenly, you notice new leaves unfurling or a bud forming that wasn't there before.

Spiritual growth can feel much the same way—occasionally dramatic, but more often a quiet, steady process happening beneath the surface. As Peter writes in his second letter, "But grow in the grace and knowledge of our Lord and Savior Jesus Christ" (2 Peter 3:18). This simple instruction invites us into a lifelong journey of development, but what exactly does healthy spiritual growth look like?

Growth Isn't Always Linear

In Matthew 13, Jesus tells the parable of the sower, describing how seeds fall on different types of soil with varying results. Some sprout quickly but wither, while others grow slowly but produce a harvest "thirty, sixty or even a hundred times what was sown" (Matthew 13:23).

This parable reminds us that spiritual growth isn't a straight line upward. We all experience seasons of rapid transformation followed by plateaus or even temporary setbacks. The simple reality is that sometimes you're growing most when you feel like you're growing least. Those challenging seasons often develop our spiritual roots even when we can't see visible fruit.

Signs of Healthy Spiritual Development

While each person's journey is unique, Scripture points to several indicators of maturing faith:

Increasing love for God and others. Jesus identified this as the greatest commandment (Matthew 22:37-39). As we grow, our capacity to love expands beyond our comfort zones and natural affinities.

Greater fruit of the Spirit. Paul writes in Galatians 5:22-23, "But the fruit of the Spirit is love, joy, peace, forbearance, kindness, goodness, faithfulness, gentleness and self-control." These qualities become more evident in our lives not through striving, but through abiding in Christ (John 15:5).

Deepening hunger for God's word. Psalm 119:103 describes this beautifully: "How sweet are your words to my taste, sweeter than honey to my mouth!" A maturing faith moves beyond Bible reading as obligation to genuine hunger for truth.

Increasing discernment. Hebrews 5:14 notes that maturity brings "discernment to distinguish good from evil." We develop spiritual perception that helps us navigate complex situations with wisdom.

Greater resilience in trials. James 1:2-4 describes how trials produce perseverance that leads to maturity and completeness. Our capacity to trust God through difficulties grows with experience.

More consistent obedience. Jesus said, "If you love me, keep my commands" (John 14:15). Obedience becomes less about rule-following and more about responding to love.

Practices That Nurture Growth

So how do we actively participate in our spiritual development? Here are some time-tested practices:

1. Regular engagement with Scripture.  Joshua 1:8 instructs, "Keep this Book of the Law always on your lips; meditate on it day and night, so that you may be careful to do everything written in it." Scripture shapes our thinking and transforms our perspective.
   

2. Authentic prayer. Prayer isn't just asking for things—it's honest conversation with God that includes listening, praising, confessing, and questioning. Philippians 4:6 encourages us to present our requests to God "with thanksgiving."
   

3. Community connection. Hebrews 10:24-25 reminds us of the importance of gathering together to "spur one another on toward love and good deeds." We need others to encourage us, challenge us, and help us see our blind spots.
   

4. Serving others. Jesus modelled servant leadership (John 13:14-15) and taught that greatness comes through service (Mark 10:43-45). Something powerful happens when we put others' needs before our own.
   

5. Regular self-examination. 2 Corinthians 13:5 encourages us to "Examine yourselves to see whether you are in the faith; test yourselves." Healthy growth includes honest assessment.
   

The wonderful paradox of spiritual growth is that while we participate in the process through spiritual disciplines, the actual transformation comes from God. As Paul writes in Philippians 1:6, "being confident of this, that he who began a good work in you will carry it on to completion until the day of Christ Jesus."

So wherever you are on your journey today—whether you feel stuck or sense momentum—take heart. The God who planted faith in you is faithfully tending its growth, even when you can't see what's happening beneath the surface. Touch base with the community at Divergent Church