How do we grow in Christ?
If we are people who honour the name of Christ, then our greatest earthly project is to grow to be more like him, in character and lifestyle. We are “being renewed in knowledge in the image of our Creator” (Colossians 3:10).
But how do we do that? First we must desire it, and desire it more than anything else. The world we live in is constantly diverting our desires, or convincing us that our needs must be met by other people rather than Jesus.
In my reading I came across a quotation from the work of John Wesley concerning spiritual growth. We live in a culture that so savours the present, we can fail to be enriched by the insights and experiences of those who lived in different times. However, Wesley’s observations, are well worth our reflection:
1. “Watch and pray continually against pride.
2. Beware of that daughter of pride, enthusiasm (which is quick to ascribe everything to God).
3. Beware of antinomianism, making void the law, or any part of it through faith.
4. Beware of sins of commission; lose no opportunity of doing good in any kind.
5. Beware of desiring anything but God.
6. Beware of schism, of making a rent in the church of Christ.
7. Be exemplary in all things: particularly in outward things (as in dress), in little things, in the laying out of your money (avoiding every needless expense), in deep, steady seriousness, and in the solidity and usefulness of all your conversation.”
There are elements in that list that may sound a little strange to our ears two hundred years further on, but there is much fine wisdom. Spiritual growth does not take place by accident, but by intention, and by choosing to live according to the way of Christ requires attention and thought. Wesley’s exhortations challenge my fairly laid back approach to life and faith, and challenge us all to take the spiritual life, life in Christ, as a serious work upon our inner and outer lives.
It is not always easy to discern pride (it can be false humility), vanity, gossip or dissension, or such things. This is an on-going work of God on our character, and our role is to co-operate with what God wants to do – even if it is painful at times to see ourselves as we really are. God’s grace and acceptance is the foundation of such growth.
As we move into our post anniversary period, may we give attention to the growing that is the lifelong call of God.