If you are a living creature, you need to grow and develop. If your spiritual person is alive (born again), it also needs to grow and mature! The absence of growth - both physical and spiritual - means degradation, deterioration, and even death.
I think most Christians know it and agree with this fact but sometimes we have trouble putting this idea into practice. This is why I had a 7-day "Spiritual Growth Marathon" on my Instagram account and now sharing with you a list of simple but beneficial practices that would positively influence your spirit.
№1. Reading Bible Out Loud
Many of us read the Bible every day (or at least try to). But sometimes I notice that while my eyes are skimming through the page just because I have to read it, my thoughts are living their own life. This is why once in a while a try to read slowly and out loud.
When I thoughtfully read the Bible out loud I feel like I'm telling myself what God already wrote for me years ago. The stories come alive in my imagination, and the authors' thought processes become much clearer. Basically, I understand and retain more!
I also like taking notes of thoughts that I have during reading, my observations, and my ideas (or at least talking about them to my husband). Even if I never read my notes again, I still remember them later. Also, I noticed that I often use them in my future conversations.
№2. Personal Time With God
If I'm being honest, I couldn't say that every day I dedicate 10-15 minutes to exclusively talking to God. But I know that I should do that as often as possible!
I pray in my mind more often than once a day but usually, this happens while I'm cleaning/walking/doing something else (which is still considered prayer). But every once in a while I try to stop what I'm doing, go to my "prayer closet" and talk to my Heavenly Father.
I also like playing worship music, dimming the lights, and walking around the room or kneeling, but none of this is a requirement. The most important thing is to share what's on your heart and listen to what God has to tell you. For me, it's often the time of personal revelations.
№3. Social Media Detox
Sometimes I call it fasting (which isn't entirely true), but the idea is simple: for about two years I spend my Wednesdays without thoughtlessly scrolling through my Instagram feed (you can also do Tiktok and Youtube).
Not only it's beneficial for my physical and mental health and helps me be more productive, but also lets my spiritual person detox from the informational garbage and focus on more important things.
Sometimes when I instinctively grab my phone, I intentionally open the Bible app or a church live stream. Feed your spirit with good content!
№4. Healthy Content
Speaking of content, I like to draw knowledge and revelations from different sources. It's not that Bible is not enough, it's just sometimes people's interpretations of it help me understand the idea better and apply it to my everyday life.
This is why I like to listen to Christian podcasts and sermons (usually from my home churches), watch helpful videos and interviews, read Christian books, study the Bible with dictionaries and commentaries, and even read some helpful blogs. Just make sure you filter the information with wisdom.
№5. Solitude
Some time ago I've read a book that focused greatly on this aspect. Have you ever noticed that Jesus often spent time on His own?
Solitude is time that allows us to clear our heads and understand our thoughts and feelings, our needs and desires, as well as share them with God. I noticed that you don't have to call it a prayer in a classical sort of way, but simply let God into your thoughts (hope it doesn't sound weird) and talk to Him like a friend.
By the way, this is how I learned how to hear God's answers to my questions.
№6. Journaling
Another way to clear your head is to put your thoughts down on paper (or a computer, doesn't matter). What sometimes starts as a chaotic flow of words can slowly take shape and show you what is actually bothering you. My journalling notes usually end with prayers - thankfulness or requests, depending on the mood!
And through time these notes become living testimonies of God's work and my spiritual growth.
№7. Serving Intentionally
If Jesus lives in me, my heart burns with the desire to serve Him. And you need to understand that service is more than a pastor's sermon and a few songs from the worship team. Ministry/serving should be an everyday practice in our lives.
This is why sometimes when I don't want to unload the dishwasher or pack lunch for my husband I remind myself that this is my way of serving God. I wrote about it not too long ago and mentioned that it's important to also do it with the right heart.
№8. Paying Attention in Church
At the beginning of almost every service, I pray that God would reveal Himself to me or allow me to learn or understand something new. I believe that in every church at every service God uses people to edify and encourage us. I believe that every sermon contains a word from God and any worship song can lead us to His presence. You just need to be able to see it.
A good way to get more from church services is by taking sermon notes. There are a lot of benefits to it: first, you will pay more attention, second, you will retain more in the process, and third, you will write down something important to you. Taking notes is good even if you never read them again!
№9. Christian Fellowship
I love conversations with my brothers and sisters in Christ when spiritual topics come up unintentionally. I like talking about God and His word, and I love talking about His work in people's lives. So I leave you (and myself) a reminder - be the one who starts this kind of talks!
Share your testimonies and your revelations with your friends. You don't have to be a prophet or a preacher: you can simply share your thoughts and even questions. Some conversations will give you valuable answers, others will simply encourage you to seek God and point you in the right direction.
№10. Preaching the Gospel
Fellowship becomes even more productive when someone in the group is not a part of a church yet or hasn't been born again. Then your experience becomes a testimony of the Gospel, and your conversation fulfills the great commission. Please, do not forget to be the light of the world in your words and actions!
I'm pretty sure you can add something else to this list, and you probably have your own habits and routines. But however you practice your Christianity, keep doing that! Keep seeking God, keep growing closer to Him, keep looking up with hope and around with love. This kind of life is the best you can get on earth!
"Grow in the grace and knowledge of our Lord and Savior Jesus Christ. To him be the glory both now and to the day of eternity. Amen" (2 Pet. 3:17).
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