Abiding is Better Than Striving: The Key to Spiritual Growth

Growing in your faith isn't about trying harder or pushing through with your own strength. It's about staying connected to Jesus and allowing Him to transform you from the inside out.

Why Do Christians Get Stuck in Their Growth?

Many believers make the decision to follow Jesus but then sit down spiritually and never really grow. They have a real encounter with Christ, but somewhere along the way, they get stuck. They're saved, but their faith isn't transforming who they are or how they live.

This isn't what Jesus had in mind when He saved you. As Peter writes in 2 Peter 3:18, "But grow in the grace and knowledge of our Lord and Savior Jesus Christ." The word "but" here is crucial - it comes after a warning about being "carried away by the error of the lawless and fall from your secure position" (2 Peter 3:17).

The Danger of Spiritual Stagnation

If all you do is follow Jesus and then sit down, you're in danger. Growth isn't optional - it's essential for spiritual survival. When believers don't grow, they often become less excited about their faith over time, eventually becoming completely disengaged.

What Does Spiritual Growth Really Mean?

It's Not Just Learning More About Jesus

Growth isn't about accumulating Bible knowledge or checking spiritual boxes. You can be full of biblical information but still be spiritually immature. True growth is knowing Jesus more personally, not just knowing more facts about Him.

It's About Being Changed by Jesus

Real spiritual growth means being transformed and becoming more like Christ. Romans 8:29 tells us that God predestined us "to be conformed to the image of His Son." This process is called sanctification - being fit for heaven by becoming more like Jesus.

Understanding the Spiritual War We're In

We Have an Enemy

People get stuck because we have an enemy who wants to keep us from following and growing in Christ. Satan's goal is simple: steal, kill, and destroy (John 10:10). He can't stop believers from going to heaven, but he'll do everything possible to keep them from glorifying God through spiritual growth.

You're in a Spiritual Battle

According to Ephesians 6:12, we're in a spiritual war. Satan uses his fiery darts to distract, frustrate, confuse, and ultimately stall our growth. As Mark 4:18-19 explains: "Still others, like seed sown among thorns, hear the word; but the worries of this life, the deceitfulness of wealth and the desires for other things come in and choke the word, making it unfruitful."

Learning from Peter's Example

Peter is a perfect example of imperfect growth. He walked on water but then got scared and sank. He declared he'd never deny Jesus but then denied Him three times. Yet Jesus still used Peter powerfully, even making him the author of the very passage about growth we started with.

Peter didn't grow perfectly, but he stayed persistently growing. This shows us that God can use imperfect people - He's doing it right now with all of us.

How Do You Actually Grow?

The Secret: Abiding, Not Striving

The key to growth isn't trying harder or powering through with your own strength. Just as you were saved by grace through faith, you grow the same way - by depending on Jesus.

The Vine and Branches Principle

Jesus explains this perfectly in John 15:5: "I am the vine; you are the branches. If you remain in me and I in you, you will bear much fruit; apart from me you can do nothing."

The word "remain" means to stay connected, to abide. A branch can only produce fruit when it's connected to the vine. Cut off from the vine, it withers and dies. The same is true spiritually - you must stay connected to Jesus to grow and bear fruit.

What Does Abiding Look Like?

Abiding means living so connected to Jesus that it's like being grafted into Him. This happens through:

  • Spending time in God's Word
  • Prayer and communication with Him
  • Fellowship with other believers
  • Remaining dependent on His strength, not your own

Five Marks of a Growing Disciple

1. Spends Time with Jesus

There's no substitute for regular, consistent time with the Lord through His Word and prayer.


2. Is Being Changed by Jesus

Others should be able to see that you're becoming more like Christ over time.


3. Has Gospel Clarity

You understand that salvation is entirely based on what Jesus did, not on your performance or efforts.


4. Maintains Godly Rhythms

You have consistent patterns of spiritual disciplines, not just occasional spiritual activities.


5. Cares About Others' Spiritual Condition

Your heart begins to ache for those who are lost or struggling spiritually.


Life Application

Growth is not information - it's transformation. It's not about learning more about Jesus; it's about knowing Him more and becoming like Him through abiding in His presence.

This week, honestly evaluate where you are spiritually. Are you growing, or are you stuck? If someone asked your family members whether you're more like Christ today than you were a year ago, what would they say?

Stop trying to grow through your own effort and start abiding in Christ. Make spending time with Jesus through His Word and prayer a non-negotiable priority. Remember, you can only give away what you have, and a world is depending on your growth.

Questions for Reflection:

  • Where am I currently on the discipleship pathway?
  • What is my next step toward growth?
  • Am I trying to strive in my own strength, or am I learning to abide in Christ?
  • If I'm honest, am I more like Jesus today than I was a year ago?

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