If you have a desire to grow in your faith, I have good news for you.  Your spiritual hunger is an indication that God is at work in your life.  The invisible God is drawing you closer to Himself.  Your hunger is a sign of life.  If you are not satisfied with your spiritual life, that is a good sign - it means you want more of God.

We need to be careful, however, when addressing our spiritual hunger. Very subtly our focus on God can slip to a focus on self and self-improvement.  This can lead to illusions of what spiritual growth looks like, leaving us disillusioned with our lack of progress or attainment.

One common illusion is that knowledge means spiritual growth.  "If we can just learn enough and know enough, then we will be spiritual."  When will you ever know enough?  What is the right amount?  The apostle Paul made it clear that knowledge has a tendency to build pride rather than humility.  He wrote, "Knowledge puffs up, but love builds up." (1 Corinthians 8:1)

Some think that holiness is the key.  "We should set our sights on being as holy as we can - holy in thought, attitude and action."  Again, at what point are we holy enough?  The nature of spiritual life is that as we mature we become more and more sensitive and aware of our sinfulness.  Paul describes this sense in his own life in Romans 7:15-16, and he concludes that he is the "chief among sinners." (1 Timothy 1:15)  Holiness can be an illusive goal.

One of the most prevalent spiritual illusions in our culture is that the real measuring stick of spiritual maturity is wholeness.  In this school of thought the words that are most emphasized are words like peace, serenity, balance, boundaries and inner health.  We don't, however, see the apostles living lives of peace and serenity; nor would balance or boundaries character most (if any) of the spiritual heroes listed in Hebrews 11.

The list of present day spiritual goal illusions goes on and on.  You could add being a good worker, or having the newest and most up to date understanding.  The whole topic of spiritual growth can become very wearisome because each illusion carries with it a number of disciplines and practices that must be mastered.  We may be tempted to give up, and simply conclude that if spiritual growth is even attainable, it must just happen without any effort.  However, there is a better solution.

Don't try to grow, set your sights on deepening your relationship with Jesus.  This is the only solid foundation for spiritual development.  Real knowledge, holiness, wholeness, power for work and fresh revelation flow out of this one foundational focus - loving the Lord our God with all that we have. (Matthew 22:37-38)  Jesus is the Vine; we are the branches.  Our growth comes from Him, and our lives are united with Him in loving relationship - nothing more, nothing less.  Take a moment and simply express your love for God (directly to Him).  Be still and receive His love, and be responsive to His leading in Scripture and Spirit.

Growing in God's love with you,
Pastor Tom
tgriffith@rolcboston.org

www.rolcboston.org