Some Christians have been baptized for years yet never truly feel like they are growing in Christ. So how do you produce a strategy for your spiritual maturity? 

Let’s take a look at some tips to experience Christian growth. I also provided a checklist to help you map out this goal!

Why is Christian Growth Important?

“Consider it pure joy, my brothers and sisters, whenever you face trials of many kinds, because you know that the testing of your faith produces perseverance. Let perseverance finish its work so that you may be mature and complete, not lacking anything.” – James 1:2-5

Trials are the critical component of our spiritual growth. So instead of feeling desperate, James asks us to consider it pure joy. That means accepting these problems with open arms to grow in a loving relationship with God. 

Christian growth is not only essential for yourself. It is also vital for your relationship with God. Praying to God, reading God’s word, and meeting fellow Christians are ways we commit to growing more like Jesus Christ. 

Four Different Types of Soil According to the Bible

We recall in Matthew 13:1-9 the Parable of the Sower of Seeds. There are four different types of soil symbolizing other Christians. 

1. The hard soil symbolizes a calloused heart. That is why the seeds are eaten before they even reach the ground. 
2. The rocky soil is a true but weak heart because of the lack of a foundation. Here, the seeds may grow but have no way to take root. 
3. The thorny soil has an excellent foundation but is easily tempted. That is why the plants grew but eventually died from choking. 
4. The good soil has an excellent foundation that is not quickly tempted. The plant grows strong and healthy until it reaches maturity. 

Be a good soil so that you may grow your values as well as your spiritual self. Be like the plant that yielded thirty, sixty, and a hundred-fold. You can do this by accepting every obstacle with pure joy and being willing to listen to the Word of God.  

How to Map Out Your Personal Path to Christian Growth 

Here are three essential ways you can develop Christian growth. 

Pray 

Pray so you know which areas of your spiritual life need to grow. Make sure to ask God to give you the strength to overcome spiritual indifference. This will also allow you to reflect on whether you have specific trust issues in your faith or if there are values you want to develop as a Christian.

Accept Painful Growth

There is a common understanding that pain comes with growth. Pain is your friend instead of your enemy. Take it from Jesus Christ, who died on the cross to honorably save us from our sins. 

Read the Bible 

The big book is not just a reference book or a fact book. It’s a powerful and sacred tool to allow you to learn more about God and yourself. It will reveal to you how good and great God is, refreshing our spirits to internalize God’s messages. 

Checklist to Track Your Christian Maturity 

Place a checkmark if the following situations apply to you. The more items checked, the closer you are to Christian maturity. 

• I love and trust God over everything else.
• I feel called by God to be involved with my community, especially with the less fortunate people.
• I worship God every chance I get. 
• I know I am created in God’s image and likeness.
• I am impressed and touched by God’s artistic expression of the creation. 
• I love others because Jesus loves me. 
• I am connected with the Holy Spirit. 
• I do not let the noise get in the way of my relationship with Jesus. 
• Many people believe that I am highly devoted to God. 
• I read the Bible daily. 
• I know how to accept painful growth in my life.
• I am eager to develop the wisdom to learn more about God.
• I believe in salvation as a gift from God.
• I share everything I have because God gave them to me. 
• I know how to share God’s love at school, home, and work. 
• I will serve God until I die.
• I am a spiritual leader.