Benchmarks Of Spiritual Growth

Philippians 1:6 says, “I am sure of this, that he who began a good work in you will bring it to completion at the day of Jesus Christ.” This verses mentions a beginning and an end in reference to one’s spiritual maturity. The question is what happens in between? Who or what is responsible for this spiritual growth to take place?

Several Bible verses will answer these questions. 1 Timothy 4:12-15 list five things on which to focus: “speech, conduct, love, faith, and purity.” The passage ends by saying,” Practice these things, immerse yourself in them, so that all may see your progress.” 

Philippians 2:12-13 emphasizes, “work out your own salvation, for it is God who works in you, both to will and to work for his good pleasure.” So, we see that it is a combination of both Christians and God, through his indwelling Holy Spirit, to bring about spiritual maturity.

The process of spiritual growth originates when one accepts Jesus as his or her Savior. That is a personal decision by each individual. When this done God’s Holy Spirit begins the process. In theological terms, this process is called sanctification, which means developing more and more of the qualities of Christ.

However, sanctification depends upon reading and studying the Bible. John 17:17 says, “Sanctify them in the truth, God’s word is truth.” When this done, the Holy Spirit goes to work in bringing about change.

2 Timothy 3:16-17 says, “All scripture is inspired by God and profitable for teaching, for reproof, for correction, and for training in righteousness, that one may be complete, equipped for every good work.” What changes will occur?

I have compiled a list of seven benchmarks which, over the course of time, can be used to see how much progress is being made in one’s spiritual growth. They are not in any specific order, and some will overlap.

1. Developing a biblical worldview. This is the belief that God is the Creator and Sustainer of the world and of human life that consists of two genders, male and female, made in God’s image, (Genesis 1:1 & 27). He sustains all of creation (Colossians 1:16-27). God is a personal God who intervenes at times, in personal lives, as well as in the events of humanity. He has his own divine agenda and purpose for the world.

2. Lifestyle changes, which can include what you look at on TV, read, the kind of music you listen to, the type of entertainment you watch, and the type of people you hang out with. It also includes identifying with your biological gender at birth.

3. Recognizing that there is a spiritual battle (Ephesians 6:12). There are two kingdoms at work, the satanic kingdom of darkness and evil, and God’s Kingdom of light and righteousness. Much of a Christian’s maturity can be measured by how much they are involved in the satanic kingdom, including the use of Ouija Boards and celebrating Halloween.

4. Exhibiting the fruits of the Holy Spirit, listed in Galatians 5:22, “love, joy, peace, patience, kindness, goodness, faithfulness, gentleness, and self-control.”

5. Don’t need material wealth and possessions to be content(1 Timothy 6:6 & 17).

6. Be separate from the world (1 John 2:15-16), This means to not compromise one’s biblical beliefs to appease the godless and woke culture.

7. Focus on the things mentioned in the above passage, 1 Timothy 4:12-15, 

Whatever stage of spiritual maturity you are in, whether a recently converted Christian, or one who has been a Christian for years, I hope and pray that these seven areas might be helpful in monitoring your spiritual growth. As stated in a Philippians 1:6, our maturity will not be 100% complete until our eternal redemption. In the meantime, keep working out your salvation so “your manner of life is worthy of the gospel of Christ”(Philippians 1:27).

Which one of these areas do you see yourself as growing the most? Which ones do you need to give more attention to?