The growth of the church (the body of Christ) is predicated upon the spiritual growth of its members. Every life undertaking demands growth to be sustainable and the Christian life is no exception. True Christianity is evidenced by growth. Jesus said that without growth, which results in fruit bearing, we'll cease to be relevant. Growth is very essential to our maturity in Christ and should be the concentration of every member of the body of Christ.

Spiritual growth is witnessed in daily Christian living and reveals the character of the believer. The level of our spiritual growth is seen in the way we handle life's difficult challenges. One of the important things to note in a growing Christian is the level of patience and endurance that they exhibit. 
Spiritual growth requires:

- Daily prayer lifestyle 
- Daily Bible reading and meditation 
- Living a life of consistent witness 
- Developing the habit of worship and thanksgiving

We're created anew in Christ Jesus to grow in the knowledge of his will and purpose. As we learn to yield to the spirit of Christ in our lives, the spirit begins to bring forth fruit unto righteousness. We read, "For it is God which worketh in you both to will and to do of his good pleasure" (Philippians 2:13). In reality the growth is the work of the grace of God in our lives. As we learn to cooperate with the spirit of God, the growth is strengthened and enriched.

The fruits of the spirit can only be achieved when the flesh is put in its place and God's spirit is allowed free-reign in the believer. "But the fruit of the Spirit is love, joy, peace, longsuffering, gentleness, goodness, faith, Meekness, temperance: against such there is no law. And they that are Christ's have crucified the flesh with the affections and lusts" (Galatians 5:22-24, KJV). You will not obtain any meaningful spiritual growth if you've not learned how to die to your flesh.

The flesh is always at a tug-of-war with the spirit. This presents a challenge to our spiritual growth. We talk so much about growth, but how much are we ready to sacrifice and bring it to fruition? To grow spiritually is to die to carnality

These are a few hindrances to spiritual growth:

- Lack of daily prayer life 
- Worldly entanglements 
- Malice 
- Hatred and evil heart 
- Hypocrisies 
- Envies 
- Evil tongue

If there's a desire to grow spiritually, it's important you wake up to the weakness of our human nature. We're commanded, "But grow in grace, and in the knowledge of our Lord and Savior Jesus Christ. To him be glory both now and forever. Amen" (2 Peter 3:18, KJV). 
Spiritual growth is a measurement of spiritual maturity. It's enhanced by desire and action. There is growth in Christ. If we don't grow, then, Christ isn't richly indwelling us.

There's no barrenness in Christ. He is a living Lord. If we allow him to live his life through us, we cannot help but to grow.

Dr.Ephraim John Udofia is the founder and Presiding Bishop of Living Faith Apostolic Ministries. International Mission-intensive ministry, both in foreign and home missions with currently over six churches in three countries. Dr.Udofia is the author of over seven life-changing books. He's passionately involved in church planting, crusades, conferences and ministers' training since the seventies. Dr.Udofia holds a Bsc. in Management, minor in accounting, an MBA, and Doctorate in Ministry (Dmin) with major in Missions. He is a former CEO of Precious Jewels Inc. for 19 years. Also a former banker and security representative holding both State and Federal licences. A financial counselor, motivational speaker, mentor, marriage counsellor and an outstanding dedicated family man. He is happily married with five grown children.
To buy one of Dr Ephraim's inspiring Christian Books, or Money Management Books visit the link --->; Life Christian Books