How to Grow as a Christian

In Philippians 1:9 Paul prayed that the church's love would keep growing.  This is the definition of spiritual growth -- growing in love.  The Christian life can be summed up like this:  Becoming like Christ, loving God and others more and more.  God wants us to keep growing.  But how do we grow in love?

Spiritual growth is accomplished by practicing spiritual disciples, or spiritual habits.  Habits are powerful.  We first make our habits, and then our habits make us.  If you have bad habits, then they will lead to a life of sin.  If you have good habits, then they will lead to a life of love.  

I heard a pastor say, "Direction determines destination."  In other words, your destination is determined by the direction you are currently walking.  So if direction determines destination, what determines direction?  Habits.  Your habits set you in a direction that ultimately determines your destination.  For example, healthy marriage habits will point you in the right direction, so that your destination is a prevailing, healthy marriage.  We are where we are because of our habits.  And where we end up is determined by our habits.  Habits determine direction.  Direction determines destination.

What kind of habits do you need to practice so that you are headed in the direction of spiritual maturity?  I'll give you the six most basic.

1. Sunday worship.  If Sunday worship is not a priority, then God will not be a priority.
2. Daily Quiet Time.  You should spend time with God before you spend time on anything else.
3. Home Group.  We all live better when people are watching.
4. Serving in church.  Contribute to the cause, and be reminded of why you are here -- to serve!
5. Tithing.  Once you put God first in your finances, then it's much easier to put Him first in the other arenas of your life.
6. Evangelism.  Start by praying for the lost, inviting them to church, and sharing good evangelistic articles on Facebook.  

It's not profound, but that doesn't mean it's easy.  It's sort of like the habits necessary to get in good physical shape:  Diet and exercise.  Easy to understand; not easy to do.  Our community is filled with overweight people who know what they need to do to get in shape.  It's also filled with immature Christians who know what they need to do to grow.  The problem with most Christians is not a lack of knowledge, but a lack of commitment.  Commit to the process, and God will take care of the product.

Which of the six growth habits is missing from your life?