Mike Santistevan wrote an excellent post on how we grow? Or I guess, better stated, 'who is responsible for our growth spiritually.'
It is important to note that true spiritual growth and transformation into the image of Christ from “glory to glory” is ultimately a work of God in our lives. This means that we cannot produce spiritual growth through human effort any more than we can make the leaves grow on a tree.
But this does not mean that we are to do nothing. In fact, Scripture is clear that we are to pursue Christlikeness and discipline ourselves for the purpose of godliness. While I can’t make the leaves grow, I can cultivate the soil around a plant, get it appropriate water and sunlight so that it can grow.
What Scripture calls for is a divine-human cooperation.
Paul said, “Therefore, my beloved, as you have always obeyed, so now, not only as in my presence but much more in my absence, work out your own salvation with fear and trembling, for it is God who works in you, both to will and to work for his good pleasure.” Philippians 2:12-13
“But by the grace of God I am what I am, and his grace toward me was not in vain. On the contrary, I worked harder than any of them, though it was not I, but the grace of God that is with me.” 1 Corinthians 15:1
Is spiritual growth produced by human effort? No
Is spiritual growth the result of a work of God in our heart? Yes
Does this mean we don’t do anything? No
If true spiritual growth and transformation is a work of God, then the spiritual disciplines are a means of positioning ourselves to receive God’s grace.
READ THE REST OF THE POST HERE.
