This letter is from Simon Peter, a slave and apostle of Jesus Christ.  I am writing to all of you who share the precious faith we have, faith given to us by Jesus Christ, our God and Savior, who makes us right with God.

May God bless you with his special favor and wonderful peace as you come to know Jesus, our God and Lord, better and better. 1 Peter 1:1, 2

So What The Heck Does It Take to Grow Spiritually, Peter?

– More Devotions in the Letters from Peter

In my challenged understanding of the bible, in my limited spiritual education, I’ve been led to believe that the bible has most if not all the answers to living a spiritually God pleasing life.  The answers seem so hard to find, though!  Bits and pieces of what I consider helpful teachings fall upon my heart’s ear, by reading or by hearing someone else’s teaching, and occasionally by my own study, but no where have I found a step by step check list for spiritual growth.

We’re all called to do it.  But I’ve never had spiritual growth defined for me.  Pick a “they” and they’ll say we need to grow spiritually, but nobody every wants to tell us how to do it!  Wait a minute…  I think I found something that will help!

Peter tells us what I believe are some major milestones to look for (perhaps better described as fruit) as we grow up spiritually. 

Spiritual growth starts with the seed of faith planted in our hearts by Jesus himself (2 Peter 1:1).  With the help of this new faith, and with Christ’s help, we are made right with God.  Once the faith seed starts to grow, we grow to know Jesus better and better (2 Peter 1:2).  Without this seedling faith started and nurtured in our hearts, it’s going to be hard to grow spiritually.

The planting of faith in our hearts is a promise given by God that we can count on.  (Philippians 1:6)  I’ve no green thumb, but thankfully God does.  Are you getting to know Jesus better and better?  Then you’re on your way to spiritual growth.

Jesus Christ, you planted the seed of faith in my heart.  I am persuaded that you began this good work in me and will continue my spiritual growth in me until the day it is finished – the day you come back for me.  Thank you for your precious promises, Jesus – Amen.