As a Christian, your spiritual growth is of utmost importance. It is the key to a deeper relationship with God, a clearer understanding of His will for your life, and the ability to bear fruit that brings glory to Him.
But what happens when you neglect your spiritual growth? What are the consequences of failing to cultivate a close relationship with God?
The consequences of not growing spiritually are real and cannot be ignored. They can lead to a lack of joy and peace, a feeling of distance from God, a decrease in spiritual passion and zeal, and a struggle to overcome sin.
Let me use this opportunity to warn you of the danger of neglecting your spiritual growth and challenge you to take action.
In this post, I shared with you the negative effects of not growing spiritually and provide you with practical steps to help you grow in your relationship with God.
So, if you have been struggling to grow spiritually or if you have neglected this area of your life, I encourage you to read on.
Let this post serve as a wake-up call to prioritize your spiritual progress and experience the fullness of God's blessings in your life.
What are the Consequences of Not Growing Spiritually
1. Stagnation in Faith
One of the primary negative effects of not growing up spiritually as a Christian is stagnation in faith. This means that you may remain at the same level of spiritual maturity for a long period, without any significant growth.
When you don't grow in your faith, you become stagnant and unproductive in your walk with God.The Bible makes it clear that we are to grow in our faith walk with God.
In 2 Peter 3:18, it says, "But 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. Lack of Discernment
Another negative effect of not growing up spiritually as a Christian is a lack of discernment. Discernment is the ability to distinguish between right and wrong, good and evil.
Without spiritual growth, you may lack the ability to discern what is right and wrong, leading you to make poor decisions.
The Bible tells us to have discernment in our daily lives. In Hebrews 5:14, it says, "But solid food is for the mature, for those who have their powers of discernment trained by constant practice to distinguish good from evil." (ESV version).
Discover: Just as there are consequences of not growing spiritually, here are the 10 Benefits of growing spiritually.
3. Struggling with Temptation and Sin
In 1 Corinthians 10:13, it says, "No temptation has overtaken you that is not common to man. God is faithful, and he will not let you be tempted beyond your ability, but with the temptation, he will also provide the way of escape, that you may be able to endure it."
When you don't grow up spiritually as a Christian, you may struggle with temptation and sin. Spiritual growth helps you to develop the inner strength to resist temptation and avoid sinful behaviors. Without this strength, you may fall into temptation and sin.
4. Weak Prayer and Worship Life
Psalm 119:105, it says, "Your word is a lamp to my feet and a light to my path." This verse shows us the importance of studying God's word and spending time in prayer, which are essential aspects of spiritual growth.
Without spiritual growth, you may find it challenging to engage in prayer and worship, leading to a weak relationship with God. Spiritual growth helps you to develop a stronger connection with God, making prayer and worship a vital part of your daily life.
5. Inability to Fulfill Your Calling
Ephesians 2:10, says, "For we are his workmanship, created in Christ Jesus for good works, which God prepared beforehand, that we should walk in them."
This verse shows us that God has a plan and purpose for each of our lives, and spiritual growth helps us to fulfill that purpose.
When you don't grow up spiritually as a Christian, you may struggle to understand and fulfill your calling. God has a unique purpose for each of our lives, and spiritual growth helps us to understand and fulfill that purpose.
Without spiritual growth, you may feel lost or unfulfilled in your life.
Read Also: 7 Practical Guides to Remain Spiritually Healthy.
6. Decreased ability to resist temptation and sin
When you fail to grow spiritually, you become more vulnerable to temptation and sin. The Bible warns that the devil roams around seeking whom he may devour (1 Peter 5:8).
Without growing up spiritually, you become an easy target for his attacks. You may find yourself giving in to temptations that you were once able to resist. This can lead to a cycle of sin and shame that can be difficult to break free from.
7. Stagnancy in your relationship with God
If you don't grow spiritually, your relationship with God will become stagnant. You may find yourself going through the motions of worship and prayer without any real connection to God.
The Bible encourages us to draw near to God, and promises that He will draw near to us (James 4:8).
If you're not growing spiritually, you're not drawing near to God. You may find yourself feeling distant and disconnected from Him.
8. Lack of spiritual discernment
When you're not growing spiritually, you may find it difficult to discern what is truly of God and what is not. The Bible warns that false prophets and false teachings will arise, and that they will deceive many (Matthew 24:11).
Without spiritual growth, you may find yourself being swayed by false teachings and beliefs. You may also find it difficult to discern the voice of God in your life.
Discover: In other to attain spiritual power, there are five vows to make. What are they?
9. Missed opportunities for growth and blessings.
When you're not growing spiritually, you're missing out on opportunities for growth and blessings. The Bible makes it clear that God has plans to prosper you and not to harm you, to give you hope and a future (Jeremiah 29:11).
However, if you're not growing spiritually, you may not be able to fully receive the blessings that God has for you. You may miss out on opportunities to serve Him and to make a difference in the world around you.
10. Inability to fulfill your God-given purpose
Finally, if you're not growing spiritually, you may find it difficult to fulfill your God-given purpose. The Bible teaches that God has a specific plan and purpose for each of our lives (Ephesians 2:10).
However, if you're not growing spiritually, you may not be able to discern what that purpose is. You may also lack the spiritual maturity and discernment necessary to fulfill that purpose.
Read Also: 15 Bible Verses About Spiritual Growth and what they mean.
Practical Steps To Start Growing Spiritually
I would like to encourage you to take these practical steps to grow spiritually:
- Spend time in prayer and meditation on God's Word. "But his delight is in the law of the Lord, and on his law he meditates day and night." - Psalm 1:2
- Develop a daily habit of reading the Bible. "All Scripture is God-breathed and is useful for teaching, rebuking, correcting and training in righteousness." - 2 Timothy 3:16
- Attend church regularly and fellowship with other believers. "And let us consider how we may spur one another on toward love and good deeds, not giving up meeting together, as some are in the habit of doing; but encouraging one another." - Hebrews 10:24-25
- Serve others with your gifts and talents. "Each of you should use whatever gift you have received to serve others, as faithful stewards of God's grace in its various forms." - 1 Peter 4:10
- Practice obedience to God's commands. "If you love me, keep my commands." - John 14:15
- Seek out opportunities for spiritual growth, such as Bible studies, retreats, or seminars. "Therefore, since we are surrounded by such a great cloud of witnesses, let us throw off everything that hinders and the sin that so easily entangles. And let us run with perseverance the race marked out for us." - Hebrews 12:1
Do you know: Letting Jesus take the wheel is yet another symbolic representation of a growing Christian. Spiritual maturity also depends on taking Jesus's lead at all times.
Conclusion
In conclusion, the negative effects of not growing spiritually are many and significant. It's important to take spiritual growth seriously and to make it a priority in your life.
The Bible encourages us to grow in the grace and knowledge of our Lord and Savior Jesus Christ (2 Peter 3:18).
By making spiritual growth a priority, you can experience the many blessings and benefits that come with a deeper relationship with God.
FAQs
Why is it important to grow spiritually?
Growing spiritually is important for Christians because it helps them develop a deeper relationship with God, understand His will for their lives, and become more Christlike.
What are the five hindrances to spiritual growth?
The five hindrances to spiritual growth are: lack of prayer and Bible study, unconfessed sin, unhealthy relationships, materialism and worldly distractions, and self-reliance.
What are the consequences of spiritual dryness?
The consequences of spiritual dryness include a lack of joy and peace, a feeling of distance from God, a decrease in spiritual passion and zeal, and a struggle to overcome sin.
What are the signs of spiritual growth?
Some signs of spiritual growth include a deeper love for God and others, increased humility, a hunger for the Word of God, a desire for prayer and worship, and an increase in the fruit of the Spirit.
How do you keep growing spiritually?
To keep growing spiritually, it is important to regularly read and study the Bible, pray, fellowship with other believers, confess and repent of sin, serve others, and rely on the power of the Holy Spirit.
Why should Christians grow spiritually?
Christians should grow spiritually to become more like Christ, fulfill God's purposes for their lives, experience the fullness of God's blessings, and be effective in sharing the gospel with others.