“Therefore let us move beyond the elementary teachings about Christ and be taken forward to maturity, not laying again the foundation of repentance from acts that lead to death, and of faith in God” — Hebrews 6:1 [NIV].
Hello fellow believer, I want you to understand that being taken forward to maturity is key in our Christian walk, and the scripture does not mince words in this regard:
“Any one who lives on milk, being still an infant, is not acquainted with the teaching about righteousness. But solid food is for the mature, who by constant use have trained themselves to distinguish good from evil” — Hebrews 5:13–14[NIV].
As we know, maturity is synonymous with growth, and in my 1000+ years on earth(😉), I have never seen growth jump out suddenly and happen on humans. For every area of life that humans experience growth or maturity, there is always a process. So, you want to highlight your abs or get fat, there is a process you have to undergo — You routinely follow nutritional diets and exercises. So, you want to be a leading figure in your professional career, you understand the steps, and processes you have to routinely follow. Likewise, if you want to grow spiritually, there is a process for that. Even for our Lord, Jesus Christ, growth or maturity didn’t just jump on him; there were processes he faithfully adhered to:
“Before daybreak the next morning, Jesus got up and went out to an isolated place to pray.” Mark1:35[NLT]
My dear believer, if we want to grow in our spiritual walk, there are processes, and activities we must faithfully yield and commit ourselves to. I understand that the affairs of this world can be overwhelming and distracting, but dear one, remember that we are in this world, but not of this world. There is so much to do and lay hold on that we can’t continue to allow these affairs sidetrack us.
In a bid to see us taken forward to maturity this year 2020, I have listed regularly activities that will aid us:
- Daily Devotional, Quiet Time, Personal Bible Study and Prayer: “Before daybreak the next morning, Jesus got up and went out to an isolated place to pray” — Mark 1:35[NLT]. The importance of this can never be overstated, and should never be underestimated. You see that morning devotion we often despise when we were little, it is incredibly important for our growth. This year, dedicate 30mins — 1hr, every day, for this activity. While doing this, please take notes of what you study, and what you hear from God when you pray.
- Church Attendance, Fellowship, Bible Study, and Prayer Meetings: “And let us not neglect our meeting together, as some people do, but encourage one another, especially now that the day of his return is drawing near” — Hebrews 10:25[NLT]. The weekly activities your local church organize are not organized to punish you; They are not organized to make you suffer. Please beloved, this year, do not despise church attendance. Be committed to a local church, and attend programs. As much as it lieth within you, attend church programs, at least, once a week. Mingle with fellow believers; do not isolate yourself.
- Memory Verse: Look to challenge yourself to memorize a bible verse weekly.
4. Evangelism and Sharing my Faith: “Go ye therefore, and teach all nations, baptizing them in the name of the Father, and of the Son, and of the Holy Ghost” — Matthew 28:19. This activity is something believers have struggled with overtime, but how can the world know of God’s Love if we do not share? How can people move away from error, if we do not share? See, this activity is compulsory. There’s no prevarication about this. Look to engage in evangelism, at least, once a week. Have chats with folks on your street and at your work place. Make faith-based posts on your social media networks. Regularly talk about Jesus and what you’re learning in your faith walk.
5. Listen to Audio/Video Sermons: “Consequently, faith comes from hearing the message, and the message is heard through the word about Christ” — Romans 10:17[NIV]. Bombard your mobile devices and laptops with Audio/Video Sermons. There are men of God who have a track record of teaching edifying and life-changing messages, get their sermons on your devices, and consistently listen to them…and apply the principles they teach. If you’re unsure about the men of God you should be listening to, you can seek around for suggestions. Also, load your devices with Gospel musics. Rid yourself of as many secular music as you can; most of them corrupt your heart.
6. Read A “Spiritual Book”: This year, make it a point of duty to read a “Spiritual Book” once in a month. “Spiritual Book” here is defined as a book(about the Gospel) written by a man of God. Overtime, men of God, in form of a book, have taken out time to explain scriptural truths to help believers grow in faith. We are encouraged to find these books, read, and apply some of the principles stated.
7. Fasting: Take time out to fast and pray regularly this year. You can make it as regular as thrice a month.
For some of us, these activities may appear overwhelming, and difficult to keep up with, but I want you to know that you have it within you to consistently carry out these activities; you’re empowered by the Spirit of God!
“Practice these things, immerse yourself in them, so that all may see your progress.” — 1Timothy 4:15[ESV].
I pray we experience unreal growth this year.
I pray we experience the supernatural this year.
I pray we come to the reality of God’s love for us.
Key Note: Understand that you can’t serve God and Mammon; You can’t serve two Masters. In your Journey to spiritual growth in 2020, you will have to cut off some certain habits. You will have to cut off some certain distractions. You will have to cutoff some certain interactions. You will have to cutoff several stuff and build new things and relationships.
N.B: Man/Men of God is used in a unisex manner.
Check out this Summarized Spiritual Growth Plan I drafted. I hope you are able to make sense of it, make a copy for yourself and make use of it. Otherwise, you can reach me via my Twitter page for further questions.
