Spiritual growth is a lifelong process

Spiritual growth should be a major concern for Christian singles. Each of us has a vague understanding that if we can only mature in our walk with God, then our life will be fulfilling.

Unfortunately, many people are swayed by books and web sites that say there's a shortcut to spiritual growth. If there is such a shortcut, this is it: Suffer several deep, personal tragedies in a short period of time and learn the complete lesson each tragedy has to teach you.

Yikes! Who wants to go that route? We'd just as soon avoid tragedies altogether, but that's not realistic either. When tragedy does strike, we're usually too occupied with our grief to learn anything from it.

Later--sometimes years later--we may look back and think, "Yeah. Here's what I should have done. Too late now, but if something like that ever happens again, I'll know how to respond next time."

Vicarious learning

That's the real value of books, tapes, web sites, Christian TV and radio programs, and talks with more experienced believers.

This vicarious, or substitutionary, learning moves us along the path quicker, if we're willing to pay attention. But it still takes some concentration and work on our part. We have to make the connection, apply it to our own life, and be able to adapt it to future experiences.

Will you make the effort?

The best place to start is the Bible. If you find the Bible frustrating and hard to understand, you need to get a study Bible. These Bibles have footnotes and articles that explain the text. If you've never used a study Bible before, you'll be surprised at how clear it makes the timeless concepts and truths.

Over the years, I've read hundreds of worthwhile books about Christian Living. You'll find a selection of worthwhile titles here. Amazingly, when you're serious about your spiritual growth, the Holy Spirit will gently guide you to specific books that will help.

The other key element

Group Bible study is valuable as well. I learned more in two years of a small group Bible study than I did in ten years on my own. It's in these friendly sessions that you pick up nuggets of wisdom and other believers' experiences that make life make sense.

Sincere Christians can always count on the Holy Spirit to guide such discussions and open our minds to what he wants us to learn.

One puzzle, many pieces

Someone once said that God is willing to reveal as much of himself to us as we want to know. At times it can be a struggle, even frustrating, yet it's also the most exciting quest known to man.

Nothing beats knowing God. Wealth, fame, awards, and worldly accomplishments are like child's play compared to a true hunger for God. He is so big, so complex, so beautiful that knowing him well will take not only this lifetime, but the rest of eternity.

God challenges the most brilliant intellect. He satisfies the simplest soul. His love and friendship give a feeling of worth that exceeds anything else on earth. As you pursue him, he pursues you. If you haven't yet thrown your whole heart and self into this great adventure, I urge you to do so.

It is, without a doubt, the most fun you will ever have.

How can putting first things first increase your spiritual growth?

Is obsolete thinking making you old before your time?

Uh-oh! Are you in the desert of spiritual barrenness?

When you choose kindness, you clear the way for your own healing

Impulsiveness can cause a host of problems in a single person's life

How to listen and pass love along

That's what a savior is for

When I stumble and sin I feel filthy and worthless,
soiled to my soul's very core.
But He washes me clean
as the fresh-fallen snow.
That's what a savior is for.

What would I do? How would I make it?
In my own eyes I'm needy and poor.
But He makes me feel rich
when He gives me His love.
That's what a savior is for.

That's what a savior is for,
to lead all his children back home.
To welcome us, waiting
at heaven's front door.
That's what a savior is for.

You'll find more inspirational poems like this by clicking here...