How do I grow as a Christian?
Just because your heart is pure doesn’t mean that you are a mature Christian. Peter calls this “growing in grace”, or diligently “adding” to your faith. Jude and Paul call it “building” on your faith (Jude 20-21, ). Growing in Christ doesn’t just happen automatically. It will take constant effort and determination to do specific things on purpose. But if you will be diligent to grow in the grace of God’s salvation and sanctification, you shall never fall (, ).
How to Grow in Grace
Here are essential practices for spiritual growth:
Daily Bible Reading and Prayer
Growing as a Christian begins with spending time with God every day. The Bible is God’s Word, and reading it regularly helps you to receive guidance in your spiritual walk, understand His promises, and gain strength to resist Satan’s temptations (). Prayer is your way of talking with God—getting closer to Him, asking for His help and guidance, and winning spiritual battles for yourself and others (). When you read the Bible and pray daily, your faith becomes stronger, your spiritual understanding grows, and your relationship with God deepens (, ). These two simple, consistent habits are the most necessary exercises for a healthy Christian life. If you ignore this vital daily exercise, you will most certainly grow weak spiritually, and eventually yield to temptation and fall back into the old sinful life ().
Careful Obedience to the Holy Spirit
As a child of God, you must learn to listen carefully for the gentle voice and leading of the Holy Spirit. He will guide your thoughts, correct your attitudes, warn of danger, and prompt you to do what is right (). Careful obedience means paying attention to His inner nudges, responding quickly when He corrects you, and yielding your will to Him even when you do not understand. The Holy Spirit never leads contrary to the Bible (); instead, He applies God’s Word to your daily choices. When you walk in careful obedience to Him, He will keep your motives pure, strengthen your soul, and help you live a holy, Christlike life (, ).
Working for God and Sharing Your Testimony
A growing Christian doesn’t keep God’s blessings to himself—he shares them (). Jesus told His disciples, “…freely ye have received, freely give.” Witnessing is telling others what Christ has done for you—how He saved you, changed your heart, and continues to help you each day (). Your personal testimony is powerful because it is real, and no one can deny the difference God has made in your life. Working for God means using your time, talents, and money to serve Him and help others (). This includes simple acts of kindness, supporting your church through tithe and offerings, and being willing to do whatever God asks (). When you faithfully work for God and openly share your story, He uses your life as a light to rescue others from the darkness of sin, and bring them into God’s marvelous light (). You are His ambassador and representative to the world—don’t hide your light, or it will go out! (, )
Worship and Fellowship with Other Christians
A big part of growing in Christ is faithfully attending church and being with God’s people (). God’s design is that your pastor and church family would be a consistent support and encouragement to your spiritual growth. Singing, praying, and hearing His Word preached reminds us of His goodness and helps us feel His presence in a unique way (). Fellowship is just as important. God never meant for us to walk this journey alone. Being around other believers gives us encouragement, support, and the joy of friendships that strengthen our faith. We share our victories, carry each other’s burdens, and pray for one another. Faithfully determine not to miss any opportunity to meet with other Christians for worship (). Worshiping and fellowshipping together refreshes the heart, builds confidence in God, and helps you and others to stay strong and steady in your Christian walk.
Standing Firm Through Trials and Temptations
Every Christian will face difficult battles—times of testing, discouragement, and temptation—and you will too (, ). These moments do not mean God has left you; they are often the very places where your faith grows the most. Standing firm means remaining faithful to God and trusting Him, even when your feelings, your circumstances, or the enemy try to shake your faith (). It means trusting God’s promises, leaning on His strength, and choosing to obey Him even when you do not understand (). God will help you to always be the winner of every battle you fight (). Through every difficulty, God is working to deepen your character, strengthen your faith, and draw you closer to Himself (). When you stand firm in trials and resist temptation, you come out stronger, wiser, and more like Christ. Remaining faithful to God in these times of weakness and difficulty will only prove to be a blessing to you and bring glory to God through your life (, ).
But grow in grace, and in the knowledge of our Lord and Saviour Jesus Christ.
May God bless you richly as you walk with Him. Now unto him that is able to keep you from falling, and to present you faultless before the presence of his glory with exceeding joy, to the only wise God our Saviour, be glory and majesty, dominion and power, both now and ever. Amen.