Spiritual growth is a polysemous term that echoes a variety of concepts. To understand the biblical notion of spiritual growth, one needs to know what Christian spirituality is in the first place. Spirituality, in general, is understood to be a worldview that holds that there is more to the mundane experiences of this life than one can perceive through the senses and that the meaning and purpose of life go beyond mere materialistic pursuits on this earth. Based on these recognitions, there are several religious and non-religious spiritualties today. Thus, spirituality appears to be a neutral term in today’s context. Religious spiritualties commonly hold that the value and meaning of life can only be found by being connected to God and practising religious rituals. On the contrary, non-religious spiritualties promote self-belief, positive emotions, personal growth, and self-help techniques.

Christian spirituality has no single definition. The Westminster Dictionary of Christian Spirituality notes that “Christian spirituality is not simply for the ‘interior life’ or the inward person, but as much for the body as the soul, and is directed to the implementation of both the commandments of Christ, to love God and our neighbours.” William Stringfellow an American theologian writes, “Whatever else may be affirmed about spirituality which has a biblical precedent and style, spiritual maturity or spiritual fulfilment necessarily involves the whole person –body, mind and soul, place, relationships – in connection with the whole of creation throughout the era of time. Biblical spirituality encompasses the whole person in the totality of existence in the world, not some fragment, scrap, 

or incident of a person.” (William Stringfellow, Politics of Spirituality, p. 22). Succinctly, Christian spirituality refers to the experience of one’s new life in Christ through the outworking of the Holy Spirit. Although it is a present reality, it is future-oriented.

Spiritual growth can then be understood as both the process and the means through which one attains the fullness of Christian spirituality.  The final goal of Christian spirituality is to attain the whole measure of the fullness of Christ. Therefore, spiritual growth is not a novel concept.  A Christian must continually transform in thought, word, and deed to be more like Christ.  Growth without a form or design is considered cancerous growth. It is deceptive and destructive. That is, one must be formed and shaped in the image of Christ revealed in Scripture.

Some of us have misunderstood this concept of growth. We often compare the growth with our religiousness of doing daily prayers, corporate worship, and following traditions. These are all important but are not the primary evidence of spiritual growth. If our pattern or form of growth is Christ, then the question must always be, “How far have we grown like Christ?” It is apparent in the scripture. Rom 8:29 says, “For those God foreknew, he also predestined to be conformed to the image of his Son … “ Eph. 4: 24 says, “and to put on the new self, created to be like God in true righteousness and holiness” (NIV). Regarding the purpose of different ministries in the church, Paul says in Eph. 4: 13, “…until we all reach unity in the faith and in the knowledge of the Son of God and become mature, attaining to the whole measure of the fullness of Christ.”

Another aspect of growth is that the Holy Spirit initiates it. In 2 Cor. 3:18, Paul writes, “And we all, with unveiled face, beholding the glory of the Lord, are being transformed into the same image from one degree of glory to another. For this comes from the Lord, who is the Spirit.” Although human cooperation is indispensable in this transformation process, our testimony should be, “Nevertheless I live; yet not I, but Christ lives in me.” Paul attributes all of his efforts to God’s grace in Cor. 15:10: “I worked harder than all of them, yet not I, but the grace of God that was with me.”

Growth is a process, not an immediate phenomenon. To produce the growth God desires, one must abide daily in God and surrender to the Spirit. There are no shortcuts to Christian maturity. This growth is both Godward and human ward. A spiritual person touches the realms of heaven but also fulfils earthly responsibilities. Biblically, spirituality never promotes separation and alienation from people and their needs. Luke 2:52 says, “And Jesus grew in wisdom and stature, and in favour with God and man.”

To sum up, spiritual growth is the process through which Christian spirituality attains its fullness. Growth has a shape and a pattern. We are predestined to be conformed to the image of God’s only Son. Despite our efforts and diligent practice of spiritual disciplines, growth occurs solely through the power of the Holy Spirit and God’s unending grace. It is a gradual journey from one degree to another degree of glory. One who spiritually grows will increase in love for both God and humans. Indeed, God grows what he creates.

“Growth is a process, not an immediate phenomenon. To produce the growth God desires, one must daily abide in God and surrender to the Spirit.”

theologian writes, “Whatever else may be affirmed about spirituality which has a biblical precedent and style, spiritual maturity or spiritual fulfilment necessarily involves the whole person –body, mind and soul, place, relationships

– in connection with the whole of creation throughout the era of time. Biblical spirituality encompasses the whole person in the totality of existence in the world, not some fragment, scrap,

PR JACKSON KURIAN

Auckland, New Zealand

Jackson Kurian is an ordained Pastor and Bible Teacher. He also serves as the Mission Director at Fellowship Ashram Church of India. He holds an M.Th (Laidlaw College, New Zealand), and M.A in Sociology (Karnataka University, India). He lives in Auckland, New Zealand, with his wife, Reny, and two children and teaches at Ebenezer Pentecostal church.

or incident of a person.” (William Stringfellow, Politics of Spirituality, p. 22). Succinctly, Christian spirituality refers to the experience of one’s new life in Christ through the outworking of the Holy Spirit. Although it is a present reality, it is future-oriented.