We measure the growth of children with a yardstick. We measure the growth of knowledge by testing students in school. But how do you measure spiritual growth? Second Peter gives us the measuring stick. We must “add to our faith” (2 Pet. 1:5-8). Our children grow to be six feet tall, but they do it an inch at a time. Rocket scientists started out learning how to add and subtract. And mature Christians begin as “babes” who desired “the sincere milk of the word” and “grew” by it (1 Peter 2:2).
Physical growth comes naturally. Mental growth requires teaching and personal study. Spiritual growth is the result of deep desire coupled with self-discipline as we add to our faith the virtues mentioned in 2 Peter. Physical growth is seen on the yardstick. Mental growth is seen in the test scores. Spiritual growth is seen in our life-style.
Let me encourage you to examine your spiritual growth by a careful reading of 2 Peter 1:5-8. You might also notice the “Fruit of the Spirit” in Galatians 5:22, 23 and add them to your spiritual growth yardstick.
Alton Norman
Owingsville, KY