by Valerie J Routhieaux

Created on: June 11, 2009   Last Updated: June 19, 2009

SPIRITUAL GROWTH

How does one achieve spiritual growth? How do you know you are growing spiritually?

Spiritual growth is not obtained by reading the Bible every day. Nor is spiritual growth obtained by spending time with other believers, going to church, or saying you are a Christian.

Spiritual growth happens when we do what the Bible says. James says in James 1:22 But be ye doers of the word, and not hearers only, deceiving your own selves. (KJV)

In the Sermon on the Mount, Jesus showed us how we are to live our lives. Everything He taught us takes action. Look at the Beatitudes.

Matthew 5:1 And seeing the multitudes, he went up into a mountain: and when he was set, his disciples came unto him:

2 And he opened his mouth, and taught them, saying,

3 Blessed are the poor in spirit: for theirs is the kingdom of heaven.

4 Blessed are they that mourn: for they shall be comforted.

5 Blessed are the meek: for they shall inherit the earth.

6 Blessed are they which do hunger and thirst after righteousness: for they shall be filled.

7 Blessed are the merciful: for they shall obtain mercy.

8 Blessed are the pure in heart: for they shall see God.

9 Blessed are the peacemakers: for they shall be called the children of God.

10 Blessed are they which are persecuted for righteousness' sake: for theirs is the kingdom of heaven.

11 Blessed are ye, when men shall revile you, and persecute you, and shall say all manner of evil against you falsely, for my sake.

12 Rejoice, and be exceeding glad: for great is your reward in heaven: for so persecuted they the prophets which were before you.

13 Ye are the salt of the earth: but if the salt have lost his savour, wherewith shall it be salted? it is thenceforth good for nothing, but to be cast out, and to be trodden under foot of men.

14 Ye are the light of the world. A city that is set on an hill cannot be hid.

15 Neither do men light a candle, and put it under a bushel, but on a candlestick; and it giveth light unto all that are in the house.

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

Jesus taught us how to live peaceably with our neighbors, but it was something that we have to work at. It is not easy to sit or stand still while people say obnoxious things about us. Our natural reaction is to fight back. Instead, we are instructed to turn the other cheek. It is harder to walk away from a fight than to

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