When contemplating spiritual development, I often think of the analogy of a newborn baby. Picture a child entering the world, complete in their personhood, not just physically but spiritually as well. Job 32:8: “But there is a spirit in man: and the inspiration of the Almighty giveth them understanding.” At this stage, their spirit is pure and untouched, like a blank canvas waiting to be shaped. Spiritual growth, much like physical growth, begins with that first moment of connection, a deep need for nourishment that initiates the process of learning and discovery.
Yet as life progresses, a vital question emerges: how much attention do we give to nurturing the spirit? In our daily lives, we often focus on external achievements or physical needs, neglecting the spiritual aspect of who we are. This can leave us disconnected from the deeper parts of ourselves, missing out on the vital growth that occurs when we invest in our spiritual well-being.
Just as we ensure that the physical body is nourished and cared for, so too must we intentionally cultivate the spirit. Spiritual growth requires us to be mindful and deliberate, feeding our spirit through practices like prayer, meditation on the word of God, fasting, and acts of compassion. Without this, we risk stagnating spiritually, remaining in a state of immaturity and vulnerability.
The tragedy lies in waking up one day, years later, and realizing that while our physical selves have matured, our spirit has not. Encounters with spiritual truths or experiences may even seem intimidating because we haven’t cultivated that part of ourselves.
True spiritual growth calls us to actively engage in nurturing our inner life. Through prayer and fasting, we strengthen our connection to God and deepen our understanding of the spiritual realm. In doing so, we allow our spirit to flourish, growing in harmony with the deeper purpose we are meant to fulfil.
1 Corinthians 3:16: “Know ye not that ye are the temple of God, and that the Spirit of God dwelleth in you?” Believers are described as temples where God’s Spirit resides, showing that God’s Spirit continues to dwell in us when we live in faith.
So to anyone reading this: be encouraged, God has placed within you a spirit that is destined to grow and thrive. He desires a deep, intimate relationship with you, and as you seek Him, you will discover more about who you are and the purpose He has for your life. Don’t neglect the spirit, invest in it, nurture it, and watch it grow into something beautiful and powerful.
Step into this journey of growth and transformation, and let God guide you as you cultivate the spirit within.
