A Sevenfold Path of Spiritual Growth

Everyone has a unique take on spiritual growth because we’re all different in some way, so we all gravitate toward one preference or another. Yet I keep coming back to seven key areas. If you have an additional eighth one, that’s great. These seven areas are universally important to anyone who seeks to grow in spirit and character. And they must all be intentional.

This sevenfold path is not something to achieve. We don’t get there. We never “arrive.” This is a path we go on. These are attitudes. They are commitments. They are practices. This sevenfold path is one we walk every day throughout our lives.

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1. Humility  (Isaiah 66:1–2)

A humble attitude recognizes who we, and always will be, before God. God will never be impressed with our accomplishments, but he does look with favor on people who exhibit true humility, contriteness (readiness to repent and grieve over sin), and deep reverence for God and his Word.

2. Holiness  (Matthew 5:8)

I can have all the Pentecostal power in the world, but if I don’t have holiness, I will self-destruct. Holiness is being set apart to God and is the lived-out intention and fulfillment of salvation. Purity of heart and mind is necessary for us to “see” or receive intimacy or revelation or power or the authority of God.

3. Faith  (Mark 11:22–26)

Do I believe, and trust, God’s Word and the leading of his Spirit, regardless of earthly circumstances? Though God responds to us based on his mercy, our faith is the channel. We have faith for salvation; from there he calls us to mountain-moving faith.

4. Love  (John 13:34–35)

God’s agape love dwelling in and working through us is the hallmark of a Christian. Love will cost our time, our effort, and our money. Beyond emotions, love works for the best interests of another person, regardless of who they are or what they’ve done. We love in our actions and in our reactions based on who we are in Christ.

5. Power  (1 Corinthians 2:1–5)

If our message is just words and human wisdom, we will be largely ineffective. We are called beyond our human ideas and programs of relating to God. We must operate in the power of God, whether in signs and wonders or in the life-changing presence of the Holy Spirit.

6. Depth  (Ephesians 1:15–23)

God calls believers beyond superficial thinking and feeling, beyond common ways of thinking in any society. He intends us to enter an enlightened understanding of who we are in Christ—and what that means as it is applied and lived out.

7. Equanimity  (Isaiah 26:3)

It is easy to become stressed or upset about things. But if we succumb to stress or anger, we will forfeit many of the good things we have in Christ. It’s critical that we fully grasp and maintain the peace of our identity in Christ and through that to be steadfast and trusting.

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As we practice these seven areas, we will not always be perfect. But we can be consistent. May this path lead you on a wonderful journey.

Art: Gerd Altmann|Pixaby