Determining if we are growing spiritually is not the easiest thing to do. However, it is a quality of life issue that each of us must address, or we run the risk of missing God’s best for us. This issue, like the most important issues we have in life, require our deliberate attention. We possess freewill and thereby are able to create growth, or decline in our lives.

Initially physical growth is determined by marking the days on a calendar, or comparing the age that a certain motor skill was mastered. When babies are born their height and weight are noted along with other data. As the infant’s data changes there are indicators that signal increased well-being or diminished health; growth or decline. There may be periods when the data is about the same however, typically as the individual moves through life their physical well-being is in flux.

With today’s technology there are numerous options to evaluate physical health. Seemingly endless tracking devices and monitors of all sorts are available to gather data about physical well-being. We take great care to gather the numbers that cue our physical wellness. The data is important, and our deliberate participation in activities to promote health is even more so. The knowing without the doing is like walking outside in a thunderstorm without rain gear expecting to remain dry.

Generally physical growth is rather obvious. With a little practice we can look at a toddler and see when they are about to walk. We can anticipate when the unintelligible babbling will be replaced with real words. We recognize puberty, aging and when one is close to death’s door. Certain indicators go across geographical boundaries and cultural differences. Physical growth or decline are highly visible.

Our spiritual development is not so easily plotted. What would be an indicator of spiritual maturity or fitness? How can you evaluate if you are spiritually mature? What would we need to do to create growth or decline in our lives spiritually? How can we tell if we are making progress in the desired direction? When one has the information, how will it be engaged to create the best spiritual life?

Clear Data on Spiritual Fruit

Collecting the data about our spiritual health does not require state of the art technology. Our accessible, loving, heavenly Father has made it possible for anyone willing to seek Him to evaluate the condition of their spiritual health.

When the Apostle Paul wrote to early Christians in Galatia he reminded them to walk in the spirit. Further along in the fifth chapter of the same book of Galatians he more clearly spelled out what it looks like to walk in the spirit, he wrote, “…the fruit of the Spirit is love, joy, peace, forbearance, kindness, goodness, faithfulness, gentleness and self-control. Against such there is not law.” (Verses 21-23. NIV)

Paul’s letter does not require one to be computer literate to interpret. It quite simply has to do with being able to observe the natural order of seed, time and harvest in order to be understood.

The Bible is full of agrarian references. God speaks to us in terms that relate to seed, planting, harvest and trees. Seeds sown and appropriately tended will grow and yield a harvest. Even if it is not initially obvious what seeds were planted, as the plant matures the fruit is the evidence of the type of seed sown. Identify the fruit, the seed is revealed.

Paul also gave the early Christians an example of the fruit that comes from a different seed, sowing in the flesh. Here are his words as recorded in The Message version:

“It is obvious what kind of life develops out of trying to get your own way all the time: repetitive, loveless, cheap sex; a stinking accumulation of mental and emotional garbage; frenzied and joyless grabs for happiness; trinket gods; magic-show religion; paranoid loneliness; cutthroat competition; all-consuming-yet-never-satisfied wants; a brutal temper; an impotence to love or be loved; divided homes and divided lives; small-minded and lopsided pursuits; the vicious habit of depersonalizing everyone into a rival; uncontrolled and uncontrollable addictions; ugly parodies of community. I could go on.

This isn’t the first time I have warned you, you know. If you use your freedom this way, you will not inherit God’s kingdom.” (Galatians 5:19-21)

Does this variety of fruit resemble growth or decline? What does your fruit most closely resemble, growth or decline?

Soberly determine what fruit your life yields. Read the Bible. Be a doer, make the connection between the seeds you sow and the outcomes in your life. Stay connected with likeminded others.

Your spiritual health is a vital issue. God has given each of us the responsibility and the promise of the rewards of spiritual growth. The choice is yours, growth or decline. He will evaluate the data. What does your record reflect?

Take Inventory and Take Action!

Love,

Deborah

“Lighting the path to loving your neighbor as yourself.”