The believer’s “born again” experience in the Lord Jesus Christ marks the beginning not the end of an exciting new life. Far too many Christians fail to progress beyond the “birth” phase of their conversion experience, thinking they have arrived. Failing to progress beyond this starting point in their spiritual journey denies them the reality of a dynamic, satisfying and fulfilling new life.

The writer of the Book of Hebrews expressed this concern to a particular group of people. He said, “You have been believers so long now that you ought to be teaching others. Instead, you need someone to teach you again the basic things about God’s Word. You are like babies who need milk and cannot eat solid food. For someone who lives on milk is still an infant and doesn’t know how to do what is right. Solid food is for those who are mature, who through training have the skill to recognize the difference between right and wrong (Heb. 5:12-14).

Much time had elapsed since their conversion and a number had not grown beyond infancy. As a consequence, they lacked the maturity that is needed to recognize the difference between right and wrong! They were spiritual infants… ignorant and vulnerable to satanic, fleshly, and worldly influences.

God wants His children to grow-up! Spiritual growth is an ongoing life-long process that transforms us from “who we are” at the time of surrendering our lives to Christ to “who we can be”, mature reflectors of Him. Growing-up into the likeness of Christ is God’s ultimate plan for you and me. Paul says, “For God knew His people in advance, and He chose them to become like His Son” (Rom. 8:29a), not like the cute Babe of Bethlehem, but like Man-Christ of Calvary.

Friends, spiritual growth does not happen automatically; the right conditions must exist. God has provided us with everything we need to enjoy healthy growth in the Christian faith. All we need to do is seriously commit to following the steps that are clearly marked-out for us in God’s Word. Paul says … “And as the Spirit of the Lord works within us, we become more and more like him and reflect his glory even more” (2 Cor. 3:18). Question: Is there anything you desire more in your life than growing-up into the likeness of Christ?

Take the next step! As little assistance was offered to me in my growth experience, I therefore made it my business to develop a simple to understand foundational-level discipleship guide to assist ignorant and new believers in their growth. Twenty-years was a worthwhile investment of my time and effort to produce something practical that can help believers mature in their faith.

Each step outlined in the “Growing-up Into His Likeness” guide can take infant believers along a journey of rich discovery of God and His special plan for their lives. There is no journey more worthwhile in all of life than the journey that transforms us more and more into the likeness of Christ. Believers who have embarked on this journey regret not having commenced sooner.

Growing-up into the likeness of Christ is not easy. At times the Christian life seems impossible. Doubt and fear may tempt you to retreat back into old ways of living–believing the lie that you can’t/will not succeed in your journey. You may even feel like giving up! If this resonates with you, be encouraged… this is normal. Therefore, get on with it! Grow-up! Don’t give-up!

It’s important to remember that striving to become more like Jesus is not something that can be achieved in human strength alone. The Holy Spirit who indwells you will inspire and empower you to overcome each and every obstacle, hurdle, and challenge you encounter in your life. It’s comforting to know that every challenge you face in your walk with the Lord has been carefully calculated and chosen by Him… for YOUR good (Ps. 37:23-24). Suggestion: It may be beneficial to re-visit David’s Psalm 23 at this time.

Friends, our lives have been redeemed! They no longer belong to us. We belong to Jesus–He has authority over our lives. Take my advice: Every day, rely on the Holy Spirit to take you further in your growth by petitioning, “Make me walk along the paths of Your commands, for that is where my happiness is found” (119:35). Also, follow Peter’s directive… “

Like new born babies, you must crave pure spiritual milk so that you will grow into a full experience of salvation. Cry out for this nourishment, now that you have had a taste of the Lord’s kindness (1 Pet. 2:2-3). Ingesting and acting-upon God’s word is what produces Christ-likeness, not the sum total of Bible study, prayer, and church attendance. 

A growing faith will give you reason to celebrate every facet of your life, regardless of external circumstances. Note: you can expect opposition from Satan, worldly temptations, and fleshly desires. However, in Christ you will taste victory and satisfaction! (1 Cor. 15:57.) Please… grow-up fully into His likeness.

Best wishes,
Bill