5 Beneficial Areas to Grow in Christ

How do we grow in Christ?

Did you experience growing pains during childhood?

Most of us probably remember how growing up had hard, celebratory, and memorable moments. Now, we sometimes even grow weary of adulting.

Likewise, the Bible describes ways we grow in Christ as believers.

So here are five of those beneficial areas.

(1.) Mindset: Grow in Christ by seeking the mind of Christ

This is of utmost importance and a good place to start. Why?

Because our mindset is connected to everything about us. And it influences our outlook in life and plays a role in our choices and actions.

But how do we go about seeking the mind of Christ? The Bible tells us: set our minds on things above(Colossians 3:2); do not transform to the world, but transform by the renewing of our mind(Romans 12:2); and to take every thought captive to obey Christ (2 Corinthians 10:5).

More biblical wisdom gives us further insight:

“Finally, brothers, whatever is true, whatever is honorable, whatever is just, whatever is pure, whatever is lovely, whatever is commendable, if there is any excellence, if there is anything worthy of praise, think about these things.” Philippians 4:8 (ESV)

What we think about, set our minds on, is of utmost importance. If affects every aspect of our life. Do we desire to have the mind of Christ? Share on X

What we think about, set our minds on, affects every aspect of our life. Do we desire to have the mind of Christ?

These scriptures give us intentional steps to a beneficial mindset.

“‘For who has understood the mind of the Lord so as to instruct him?’ But we have the mind of Christ.” 1 Corinthians 2:16 (ESV)

(2.) Heart Focus

Like mindset, our heart focus is significant as a Christian. When asked about the greatest commandment, Jesus answered, “You shall love the Lord your God with all your heart and with all your soul and with all your mind.” Matthew 22:37 (ESV)

So it’s about loving the Lord with all of our heart—all of who we are. 

And more biblical insight tells us: the Lord looks at the heart, not outward appearance (1 Samuel 16:7); we ask for a clean/pure heart (Psalm 51:10); storing God’s Word in our heart to keep us from sin (Psalm 119:11); and guard our heart above all else (Proverbs 4:23).

(3.) Walk With God and Grow in Christ

“Therefore, as you received Christ Jesus the Lord, so walk in him.” Colossians 2:6 (ESV)

The NIV translation notes, “continue to live your lives in him.” 

Salvation never has a period after it. Life in Christ and as God’s child continues throughout my entire earthly life, from my first spiritual birthday until my final earthly birthday. 

I desire to walk daily with the Lord, step by step, moment by moment; breathing in His grace and breathing out His praise. And walking in God’s Word and the Holy Spirit, repenting quickly and authentically.

(4.) Living Bloodstained

“I have been crucified with Christ. It is no longer I who live, but Christ who lives in me. And the life I now live in the flesh I live by faith in the Son of God, who loved me and gave himself for me.” Galatians 2:20 (ESV)

One of the most important aspects of true Christianity is living the crucified life. So I am willing to carry my cross, let Christ live in me and through me. 

And Christ suffered greatly in my place to make me bloodstained. The bloodstained life is the road to holiness—becoming more like Jesus. 

Salvation never has a period after it. Instead, we are called to grow in Christ as we live our life in Him and for Him. Share on X

(5.) Good Works: Grow in Christ with Good Works God Prepared for Us

“For we are God’s handiwork, created in Christ Jesus to do good works, which God prepared in advance for us to do.” Ephesians 2:10 (NIV)

Because I am God’s handiwork, He not only created me for good works, but prepared them ahead of time. 

These good works have nothing to do with salvation. Instead, they come after salvation for the Christian journey.

They encompass everything surrounding me: family, friends, job, church, community, passions, spiritual gifts, ministry, and spreading the gospel. 

Featured images courtesy of Friday’s Forever on YouTube.

Last week we discussed, How God’s Power is Perfect in Our Weakness.

Sometimes I participate in these link-ups: Let’s Have Coffee/Embracing the Unexpected (Grace & Truth).

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© 2024 by Karen Friday, All rights reserved