02/05/2026
FOUR(4) SIGNS YOU ARE GROWING AS A CHRISTIAN
Many believers mistake church activity, title, or public visibility for spiritual growth. But true growth in Christ is measured by transformation, maturity, and increasing conformity to the nature of Jesus. Growth is not merely how long you’ve been in church—it is how much Christ is being formed in you.
1. YOU ARE BECOMING MORE OBEDIENT TO GOD’S WORD EVEN WHEN IT IS INCONVENIENT
Spiritual growth is revealed in obedience. Immature believers often obey God only when His instructions align with their preferences, emotions, or convenience. Mature believers submit to God’s Word even when it costs them comfort, relationships, or personal ambition.
Jesus revealed that love for Him is proven through obedience:
“If ye love me, keep my commandments.” — Bible John 14:15
Growth begins when you stop negotiating with scriptures that confront your lifestyle.
When Abraham was asked to sacrifice Isaac, he obeyed despite not understanding the full picture (Genesis 22:1–18). That is maturity—trusting God beyond explanation.
A growing believer moves from:
selective obedience - complete surrender.
emotional Christianity - disciplined Christianity
hearing the Word - doing the Word
“But be ye doers of the word, and not hearers only, deceiving your own selves.” — Bible James 1:22
2. YOUR APPETITE FOR SIN IS REDUCING WHILE YOUR HUNGER FOR RIGHTEOUSNESS IS INCREASING
Growth does not mean you become flawless overnight, but your relationship with sin changes. Things you once celebrated now grieve your spirit.
A believer who is growing cannot comfortably live in habitual compromise.
“Whosoever is born of God doth not commit sin…” —(1 John 3:9)
This scripture speaks of a lifestyle of continuous sin—not occasional mistakes followed by repentance.
When spiritual growth occurs:
conviction becomes stronger
repentance becomes quicker
compromise becomes uncomfortable
You begin to love righteousness and hate evil.
“Blessed are they which do hunger and thirst after righteousness: for they shall be filled.” —(Matthew 5:6)
The things that once entertained your flesh begin to lose their grip on you because your spirit is gaining strength.
3. YOUR LOVE FOR PRAYER, FELLOWSHIP, AND SCRIPTURE BECOMES GENUINE
Growing Christians no longer see spiritual disciplines as burdens. Prayer is no longer a religious routine—it becomes a lifeline. Bible study becomes delight, not duty. Fellowship becomes a necessity, not an obligation.
The early church demonstrated this growth pattern:
“And they continued steadfastly in the apostles’ doctrine and fellowship, and in breaking of bread, and in prayers.” —( Acts 2:42)
Spiritually stagnant believers often need constant motivation to pray or study scripture.
But growing believers begin to echo David’s hunger:
“As the hart panteth after the water brooks, so panteth my soul after thee, O God.” — Bible Psalm 42:1
When you are growing, secret devotion becomes precious to you.
4. YOUR CHARACTER INCREASINGLY REFLECTS CHRIST
The ultimate proof of growth is not spiritual gifts—it is Christlike character.
You may prophesy, preach, sing, or serve in church and still be spiritually immature if your character remains unbroken.
Paul emphasized fruit over outward performance:
“But the fruit of the Spirit is love, joy, peace, longsuffering, gentleness, goodness, faith, meekness, temperance...” --(Galatians 5:22–23)
Growth becomes evident when:
anger reduces.
pride is confronted.
forgiveness becomes easier.
humility increases.
love becomes natural.
Romans 8:29 reveals God’s ultimate goal:
“For whom he did foreknow, he also did predestinate to be conformed to the image of his Son…” —(Romans 8:29)
God is not merely trying to make you gifted—He is making you look like Christ.
True Christian growth is not loud. It is often seen in private battles won, hidden sacrifices made, renewed desires, and consistent obedience to God.
The real question is not “How long have I been saved?”
The real question is: “Is Christ truly being formed in me?” — Galatians 4:19
Pastor James Crawford
