To grow spiritually, we must be God directed, not self-directed. The choice to follow God’s direction becomes a lifestyle of trusting Him and pursuing His ways. We cannot grow spiritually without obedience. Obedience has to do with submitting our purpose, values, and choices to God. Obedience integrates all of life, encompassing all of us, both the internal (character) and the external (behavior). The Bible teaches and guides us in all areas of life: money, ministry, gifts, marriage, sex, and so on. Emotional, relational and personal growth relates to spiritual growth as we develop Christ like character qualities. Obedience requires an object. We need to know whom and what to obey. The following are sources to help us grow:
The Commands in the Bible are a foundational source for growth in obedience. The Bible has a great number of universal commands, laws, and principles for how to live our lives. The Ten Commandments (see Exodus 20:3-17) and the two Great Commandments given to us by Jesus, (see Matthew 2:36-40) sum up the Law. Reading the Bible and Bible study are very valuable and helpful ways to understand about God’s laws and principles of how things work in His Kingdom and what is required from us. When we are meditating on God’s Word, the Holy Spirit will give us direction and understanding. The Holy Spirit not only guides us to truth and the revelation of God’s Word, but also directs those who seek His guidance to specific areas of obedience (see Mark 13:11). For example He may direct a person to take a risk in a relationship and deepen emotional intimacy in some area.
Authority is a system designed by God and helps us to grow. We should follow the leadership of the church and its teachers, as long as it is biblical appropriate. For example, a small group leader might have insights and suggestions that can help us through personal issues. Another source is God places people in our life to help us grow. God speaks to us in safe relationships through which He may direct us to confront an issue, confess some brokenness, or deal with some problem or circumstance. Also, be aware that God may arrange events to help you grow in perseverance through difficult circumstances and issues. These different sources of instruction are not in conflict or fragmented. God is One, and the universal meaning of One is unity. He is integrated without conflict or contradiction. If you sense conflicts in the above areas and are not sure how to obey God, ask God to help you find His voice among the many. Look for conformation through other biblical leaders and teachings. Always allow for God’s timing and that the process of change and growth takes time.
The person who is growing needs to understand the importance of obedience. The following are the essential tasks for the grower: Surrender to the Lordship of Christ. The more you surrender your life to His authority and care, the more you are living life the way God had designed it to work. Follow Him Daily. Look at obedience as a daily and continuous process. Watch out for compartmentalizing your growth, going from one small group meeting to the next. Always keep your heart attentive to what God might be saying to you in the Bible, by the Spirit, from His people, or in circumstances. Deal with your character issues. Obeying God is being honest about sin and your inabilities, confessing them, turning from them, and then turning towards God for the answers.
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