Determinants of Spiritual Growth

Definition of Determinants

According to Merriam-Webster, a determinant is “an element that identifies or determines the nature of something or that fixes or conditions an outcome.”

In the context of spiritual growth, we use the term determinants to identify and measure the factors that indicate our progress in spiritual maturity. These determinants help us stay in touch with the reality of our spiritual development.

As stated in

Ephesians 4:11-13 He is the one who gave these gifts to the church: the apostles, the prophets, the evangelists, and the pastors and teachers. Their responsibility is to equip God’s people to do his work and build up the church, the body of Christ, until we come to such unity in our faith and knowledge of God’s Son that we will be mature and full-grown in the Lord, measuring up to the full stature of Christ.

If we are measuring up to the fullness of God, it will be evident through various signs. Let us examine these determinants:

1. Hunger for the Word

A sustained and growing hunger for God’s Word is the foremost indicator of spiritual growth. This involves a deep desire to know God through the Scriptures, learning from those who teach Christ, and progressing to the point where you can teach others.

• 1 Peter 2:2 (AMP)

  Like newborn babies you should crave (thirst for, earnestly desire) the pure (unadulterated) spiritual milk, that by it you may be nurtured and grow unto [completed] salvation.

• Hebrews 5:11-14 (NKJV)

  Of whom we have much to say, and hard to explain, since you have become dull of hearing. For though by this time you ought to be teachers, you need someone to teach you again the first principles of the oracles of God; and you have come to need milk and not solid food. For everyone who partakes only of milk is unskilled in the word of righteousness, for he is a babe. But solid food belongs to those who are of full age, that is, those who by reason of use have their senses exercised to discern both good and evil.

The term newborn babies in 1 Peter 2:2 comes from the Greek word brephos, meaning an infant or young child. This refers to newly born-again believers who are stirred by the Spirit of God to feed on the sincere milk of the Word, which is the unmixed teaching of Christ.

In contrast, the term babes in Hebrews 5:13 comes from the Greek word nepios, meaning an immature Christian. This refers to believers who have not grown in the knowledge of Christ and are not yet able to teach others.

Evaluate yourself: either you are fully mature, able to judge as the Spirit of Christ would, or you are on the path to maturity, as shown by your commitment to learning Christ.

Jesus admonished the church in Ephesus for leaving their first love, which is learning and teaching Christ. He urged them to repent and do the first works.

• Revelation 2:4-5 (NKJV)
  

  Nevertheless I have this against you, that you have left your first love. Remember therefore from where you have fallen; repent and do the first works, or else I will come to you quickly and remove your lampstand from its place—unless you repent.

2. Love Walk

Your approach to living and interacting within the community of saints should be characterized by love. This love frames your service to others and is a clear sign of spiritual maturity.

• Galatians 5:6-7, 13, 16, 20 (NKJV)
  

  For in Christ Jesus neither circumcision nor uncircumcision avails anything, but faith working through love. You ran well. Who hindered you from obeying the truth? For you, brethren, have been called to liberty; only do not use liberty as an opportunity for the flesh, but through love serve one another. I say then: Walk in the Spirit, and you shall not fulfill the lust of the flesh. Idolatry, sorcery, hatred, contentions, jealousies, outbursts of wrath, selfish ambitions, dissensions, heresies.

Immaturity manifests as a lack of love for the saints. Spiritual growth is evident in love, especially in ministers who serve with grace, even when faced with hatred or love. Examine your level of unforgiveness within the community of saints: How many people can you forbear? How many have you forgiven? Can you genuinely walk in love with the saints? Can you tolerate and share your space and time with them? Reflect on the individuals you avoid or detest. Be honest with yourself. Spiritual growth will allow you to view these situations differently, recognizing that all are forgiven and that no one needs to prove anything before you can walk in love with them.

Check your love walk. Ministry prospers in our love work and labour.

• Hebrews 6:10 (NKJV)
  

  For God is not unjust to forget your work and labor of love which you have shown toward His name, in that you have ministered to the saints, and do minister.

3. Joy in the Lord

Joy is an expression of the gift of salvation and should be evident in your fellowship with the brethren, with the Holy Spirit in hearing and learning Christ, in serving the Lord Jesus, doing his will and purpose.

• Philippians 4:4 (NKJV)

  Rejoice in the Lord always. Again I will say, rejoice!

• Isaiah 12:3 (KJV)

  Therefore with joy shall ye draw water out of the wells of salvation.

“Sadness can’t wipe away your joy. Things worth being sad about happen daily, but the joy of the Lord in the believer mitigates it.

Check: a lack of joy is evidence of childishness; you are simply exhibiting the immaturity hidden in you. You will lash out at everything and everyone.”

When you lack joy, your problems, troubles, and tribulations can feel overwhelming. Without joy, you become less effective in the community of saints and even become a liability to fellowship. Grief and unhappiness can hinder your ability to contribute positively.

Restore joy and use your rejoicing to gauge your spiritual growth.

4. Peace

Inner and outer peace are significant indicators of spiritual maturity. Maintaining peace within yourself, regardless of external circumstances, reflects your growth in Christ.

Watch your inward peace; spiritually mature individuals don’t lose their inner peace. They know how to maintain peace within themselves, regardless of external circumstances.

Philippians 4:6-7 (NKJV)

Be anxious for nothing, but in everything by prayer and supplication, with thanksgiving, let your requests be made known to God; and the peace of God, which surpasses all understanding, will guard your hearts and minds through Christ Jesus.

Jesus said his peace will keep us when the world is tumbling on us. This peace will be the evidence of your spiritual growth.

John 16:33 (NKJV)

These things I have spoken to you, that in Me you may have peace. In the world you will have tribulation; but be of good cheer, I have overcome the world.

In Mark 4:37-39, Jesus exemplified inner peace during a storm, calming it with His words. Fear and trepidation are signs of immaturity, whereas God’s peace transcends worldly understanding and remains steadfast during turmoil.

Mark.4.37 – And a great windstorm arose, and the waves beat into the boat, so that it was already filling.
Mark.4.38 – But He was in the stern, asleep on a pillow. And they awoke Him and said to Him, “Teacher, do You not care that we are perishing?”
Mark.4.39 – Then He arose and rebuked the wind, and said to the sea, “Peace, be still!” And the wind ceased and there was a great calm.

Self-Examination: Do you maintain inner peace amidst life’s storms? Or do fear and anxiety overwhelm you? Cultivate God’s peace as evidence of your spiritual growth.

John.14.27

Peace I leave with you; My [own] peace I now give and bequeath to you. Not as the world gives do I give to you. Do not let your hearts be troubled, neither let them be afraid. [Stop allowing yourselves to be agitated and disturbed; and do not permit yourselves to be fearful and intimidated and cowardly and unsettled.] (AMP)

5. Faithfulness

This word is too significant to be used by every Tom, Dick, and Harry. It is a term pronounced by authority over a servant, after a proven period of service.

1 Corinthians 4:1-2 (AMP)

So then, let us [apostles] be looked upon as ministering servants of Christ and stewards (trustees) of the mysteries (the secret purposes) of God. Moreover, it is [essentially] required of stewards that a man should be found faithful [proving himself worthy of trust].

2 Timothy 2:2 (AMP)

And the [instructions] which you have heard from me along with many witnesses, transmit and entrust [as a deposit] to reliable and faithful men who will be competent and qualified to teach others also.

Check yourself. If you are indeed growing spiritually, you will be known as faithful, and the community will rely on you.

Immaturity is seen in unfaithfulness. Faithful individuals are teachable and apt to teach. They will diligently give themselves to being taught and will intentionally teach others, becoming a proof of their teacher’s ministry and a testimony of Christ’s ministry.

Faithfulness doesn’t fear assessment and judgment. As stated in Luke 17:5-11, those who are faithful are open to instructions within their duty lines and commands beyond them. Watch your attitude toward authority. It is the servant who should be found faithful under the authority over him.

Check yourself: frowning or turning up your nose at authority and instruction is a sign of unfaithfulness.

6. Fervency in the Spirit

If your zeal and passion are not spot-on, you are not growing spiritually. If you’re apathetic to the things of the Spirit, such as prayer, learning the Word, soul-winning, and serving in the house, you are spiritually stunted—a spiritual dwarf.

Romans 12:11 (AMP)

Never lag in zeal and in earnest endeavor; be aglow and burning with the Spirit, serving the Lord.

It is only normal for current to flow through your house if you are connected to power from the national grid. It you have generating set you will powered according to its capacity. The lethargic condition of the saints is prove of their level in spiritual growth. Spiritual growth will forbid every form lethargy, and plug in to the flow of power of the Spirit consciously.

Self-Examination: Are you enthusiastic and passionate about spiritual activities? Do you consciously plug into the flow of the Spirit’s power? Evaluate your zeal as a measure of your spiritual maturity.

Misconceptions About Spiritual Growth

It’s important to note that spiritual growth is not measured by:

• Duration in Church: The number of years spent in church does not equate to spiritual maturity. What matters is the progress made in learning Christ, teaching others, and serving His will and purpose during that time.

• Age: Old age does not automatically confer wisdom, humility, or modesty. While the elderly should be respected within the community of saints, age does not elevate one to a position of authority in spiritual matters.

• Societal Status and Affluence: Social relevance and wealth do not exclude one from the need for deliberate and willing submission to spiritual growth processes. They do not automatically make one an authority in spiritual matters.

All saints, regardless of age, gender, or societal status, must commit themselves to spiritual growth systems to mature in Christ.

Evidences of Spiritual Growth

Spiritual growth is evident in:

• How you handle the instruction given to you.
• How you honor the source of the instruction.
• How diligent you are in transferring the instruction.
• How you represent the instruction in practice.
• How determined you are to make the instruction a communal standard.

Conclusion

Every pastor, leader, committed worker, and member should reflect on these determinants of spiritual growth. Hold yourself accountable to them.

I call you blessed.