Growing in the Lord is not primarily an external project, but an inner life that is allowed to develop in communion with God. The Bible describes this growth as something living, organic and gracious. It does not happen by our own strength, but by remaining in Christ. Jesus himself says: «Abide in me, and I in you. Just as the branch cannot bear fruit of itself, except it abide in the vine, neither can you, except you abide in me» (John 15:4). All true spiritual growth originates here – in communion with Him.
As we grow in the Lord, we first grow in our knowledge of who God is, and at the same time in the truth of who we are. Paul prays for the church that «…you may be filled with the knowledge of his will in all wisdom and spiritual insight, so that you may live a life worthy of the Lord and fully pleasing to him, bearing fruit in every good work and increasing in the knowledge of God» (Colossians 1:9-10). This knowledge is not just intellectual, but relational. We come to know God’s heart, His holiness, His grace, and His faithfulness. At the same time, we become more aware of our own dependence on Him. Pride gradually loses its hold, and humility finds greater room. «…God opposes the proud, but gives grace to the humble» (James 4:6).
Growing in the Lord therefore involves a transformation of our inner man. The Bible says that we are not changed by sharpening ourselves, but by God working in us. «Do not conform to this world, but be transformed by the the mind is renewed, »That ye may prove what is that good, and acceptable, and perfect, will of God« (Romans 12:2). As the word of God dwells in us richly, our thoughts, attitudes, and reactions begin to be marked by Christ. This does not mean that we become flawless, but that the direction of our lives changes. When we fall, we learn to rise in grace, not condemnation. »My little children, these things write I unto you, that ye sin not: and if any man sin, we have an advocate with the Father, Jesus Christ the righteous” (1 John 2:1).
A clear sign of spiritual growth is fruit. Paul describes the fruit of the Spirit as love, joy, peace, patience, kindness, goodness, faithfulness, gentleness, and self-control (Galatians 5:22–23). This fruit is not forced to come forth, but grows as we live close to the Lord. As we grow in Him, love becomes more real in our encounters with other people. We learn to bear one another’s burdens, to forgive as we ourselves have been forgiven, and to seek peace rather than conflict. «A new commandment I give to you, that you love one another; as I have loved you, that you also love one another. By this all will know that you are my disciples, if you have love for one another» (John 13:34–35).
Growth in the Lord also leads to greater spiritual maturity. The Bible admonishes us not to remain as children in faith, but to grow up into Christ in all things. «But speaking the truth in love, we shall grow up in all things into him who is the head, even Christ» (Ephesians 4:15). Maturity does not mean hardness, but on the contrary, greater firmness combined with greater gentleness. We become more rooted in the truth and at the same time more merciful in the face of human weakness.
As we grow in the Lord, our longing for what is eternal also sharpens. Paul says: «If then you have been raised with Christ, seek the things that are above, where Christ is, seated at the right hand of God. Set your minds on things that are above, not on things that are on the earth» (Colossians 3:1-2). The promises of the world lose some of their luster, and the kingdom of God becomes clearer as our true home. This growth does not make us worldly, but gives us a clearer view of what really matters. We learn to manage life with an eternal perspective, in love for God and people.
All of this doesn’t happen overnight. Growing in the Lord is a lifelong journey. Sometimes we experience rapid growth, other times it happens quietly and almost imperceptibly. But God is faithful. «I am confident of this, that he who began a good work in you will carry it on to completion until the day of Jesus Christ» (Philippians 1:6). Our part is to remain, to seek Him, to receive His word, and to live in trust in His grace.
Growing in the Lord is therefore not a burden, but a gift. It is God Himself who works in us, and He does so in love. As we grow in Him, we are shaped more and more into the image of Christ, to the joy of God, to the blessing of others, and to a life that bears fruit – both now and into eternity.
