We often measure spiritual growth by outward change: habits, behavior, or visible obedience. But do you think some of the most meaningful growth happens quietly, beneath the surface? What has that looked like in your own journey?
For me the changed has been inward and that manifests later in outward action. I first come to see people and situations differently but respond in the same way as always. That’s probably just habit. Eventually my response changes and aligns more with how I now think. And I’ll notice it too. A situation comes up and I notice that I’m seeing it differently than I used to. It’s quite surprising when that happens.
The big thing with me used to be making rules for myself. That all worked out fine for a while, but eventually I would fail. I did this enough times to realize that making rules was a waste of time. The problem wasn’t in my behavior, but in my person. I could see it too. I could see the pride behind the rudeness and I could see that sense of being better, smarter, more capable, blah, blah, blah that lurked in my soul and that, more than anything, was the cause.
So I let it go. How do you become humble? How does a person change who they are? If you know the answer, please share. I guess what I did was accept the person I was and focused on my relationship with God. God can change me and He did. Slowly and over time, I’ve seen changes in me and I’ve also seen new challenges. It’s a life long journey we’re on. I’m grateful that He who has begun this good work in me has promised to continue it.
Spiritual growth is the transition from walking in the selfishness of the flesh to the selfless love of Christ found by walking by the Spirit.