God wants us to grow both as individual believers and as a Church. (If you haven’t already done so, read the series of posts beginning at: Spiritual Growth: Overview) While He uses a number of means, fellow believers have a big role in the growth process. God intends for us to help each other grow.
Our Role in Helping Each Other Grow
We each have a part in one another’s growth.
From him the whole body, joined and held together by every supporting ligament, grows and builds itself up in love, as each part does its work. (Eph. 4:16)
Therefore encourage one another and build each other up . . . warn those who are idle, encourage the timid, help the weak, be patient with everyone. (1 Thess. 5:11-14)
We merely facilitate growth. God actually brings the growth.
… the Head, from whom the whole body, supported and held together by its ligaments and sinews, grows as God causes it to grow. (Col. 2:19)
I planted the seed, Apollos watered it, but God made it grow. So neither he who plants nor he who waters is anything, but only God, who makes things grow. (1 Cor. 3:6-7)
If we remember God’s strategic role in the process, we will be less likely to get proud or self-righteous when growth comes. We will be more prone to be like the Apostle Paul who said, “We ought always to thank God for you, brothers, and rightly so, because your faith is growing more and more, and the love every one of you has for each other is increasing.” Glory goes to God.
Reflect on What You’re Doing to Help Facilitate Other’s Spiritual Growth
Here are some questions to assist your reflection:
- What is your part in helping others grow?
- How faithful are you in doing your part?
- How open are you to learning from others?
- How quick are you to give God the credit when growth occurs?