Growing in Faith

If you have accepted Christ as your Savior and been baptized, you should be aware of your need to grow in the faith. However, I've known people who thought that those first two things were all they needed to do. But faith is not a destination or something you attain, it's a journey that draws you closer to God. One could write a book on this, but here are some basic steps for you to consider:

But grow in grace, and in the knowledge of our Lord and Saviour Jesus Christ. To him be the glory both now and for ever. (2 Peter 3:18).

1) Recognize the need and desire to grow your faith and mature in your Christian service. If you don't, you'll become stagnant, a lukewarm Christian.

Not forsaking the assembling of ourselves together, as the manner of some is; but exhorting one another... (Hebrews 10:25).

2) Join a church to have fellowship with other Christians, encourage one another, study God's Word, and worship Him. You will help edify or build up the church, God's body of believers; and it will help edify your faith.

Pray without ceasing (1 Thessalonians 5:17).

3) Pray! I cannot emphasize this enough. Prayer changes lives, including yours, and it draws you closer to God. Set aside a time to spend with God each day, but then pray all through the day in every circumstance. I always smile when someone talks about taking prayer out of schools. Impossible! As a teacher, I prayed over and over again each day as I saw needy students and troubling situations. Make prayer a habit.

I can do all things through Christ which strengtheneth me (Philippians 4:13).

4) Work to change bad habits and to become the person God wants you to be. Tackle one thing at a time, praying and leaning on the power of the Holy Spirit who came to dwell in you at the moment you were saved.

And let us not be weary in well doing: for in due season we shall reap, if we faint not (Galatians 6:9).

5) Perseverance and persistence is often the key to success. Don't give up if things don't go as you think they should or get rough. The rewards are so great for serving God and developing a close, personal relationship with Him that it's worth waiting for or any trial that may come. Satan is going to throw some things at you in the hopes you will falter and fail.

Let your light so shine before men, that they may see your good works, and glorify your Father which is in heaven (Matthew 5:16).

6) Serve. When you help others and distribute the love of Christ, your life becomes a whole lot better, richer, and more meaningful. Seize the opportunities God sends your way. As with most things, practicing your faith will make it stronger.

He giveth power to the faint; and to them that have no might he increaseth strength (Isaiah 40:29).

And remember not to try to do any of this alone. Depend on the Lord for everything. He wants to help you with these steps. He wants you to grow your faith and mature. The more you surrender to Him, the more successful you will be. When we are weak in Christ and He takes over, we are our strongest.

And he said unto me, My grace is sufficient for thee: for my strength is made perfect in weakness,

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