The vision in my eyes is not the same. Although both eyes are very nearsighted, one is worse than the other. My ophthalmologist understands the difference and assigns unique prescriptions so my eyes work in tandem allowing me to see clearly. Similarly, understanding the differences between natural and spiritual growth help us see more clearly and walk in faith and freedom.
Natural growth happens when we move from childhood into adulthood not just physically but intellectually, emotionally and socially. The goal of natural growth is to become a self sufficient, thoughtful and responsible human being. Spiritual growth on the other hand is our growth in relation to God, in faith, and into Christ likeness. One is not better than the other. Both are necessary. Understanding these differences helps us avoid frustration as we attempt to grow in our faith.
Here’s one example. Natural growth involves becoming independent. spiritual growth involves becoming more dependent.
From the time our children are young we teach them independence. We train them to use the bathroom and pick up their toys. And we endure a lot of whining in the process! We encourage them to take risks and to manage their finances. A parent who coddles his child undermines their confidence because the subtle message is: You can’t do this successfully so I will do it for you. Our goal is to raise confident adults. Growing in independence is crucial.
Spiritual Growth is so different.
As a young believer I tried so hard to trust God. I wanted to please Him and get this Christian life down, to complete one phase and move on to the next. Being a driven “type A” person, I wanted to “arrive” spiritually, conquering things just as we do in natural growth. The harder I tried the more miserable I became.
Finally I wrote the young man who had led me to faith and said, “I’ve really tried to be a good Christian but I’m more miserable than ever. I guess it just doesn’t work for me.”
I was unprepared for his answer. “Susan, growing in faith is not about trying harder. It is about surrendering and asking God to do it within you.“
Wow.
This concept was both humbling and relieving.
It freed me to approach God with my lacks instead of my accomplishments. I began to understand that He wanted me in all my mess, confusion, failures, and inadequacy. He loved me not because of what I did or didn’t do but simply because I belonged to him. Depending upon Him more not less shows spiritual growth.
So, did I get this lesson down and move on to something new?
No. I continue to learn this over and over again. It’s far easier for me to apply the principle of natural growth – try harder, conquer and move on, to my spiritual life. When I do I usually fall flat on my face.
Recognizing these differences brings perspective and freedom. I invite you to get a copy of Risky Faith, where I go into more detail, and read and discuss it with a group of friends.
You can pre-order Risky Faith here.
What some others are saying about Risky Faith:
“Reading Susan Yates’ delightful book, Risky Faith, brought to mind what Christian author A.W. Tozer once said, ‘What comes into our minds when we think about God is the most important thing about us. Yates insightfully addresses the things that keep us from seeing God accurately and what enables us to understand and worship God with greater clarity. Her book is full of godly wisdom that evidences years of experience in applying God’s truth to everyday life. I recommend it highly!”
Rebecca Manley Pippert, Author of out of the Saltshaker and Live/Grow/Know
“With years of ministry, fourteen books, and twenty-one grandchildren to her credit, you’d think Susan Yates would have no problem trusting God. And yet she sometimes wonders if He is loving enough, powerful enough, or BIG ENOUGH to handle it all. I I need a bigger vision of our great God, she says. Don’t we all? Part memoir, part how-to book, Risky Faith, is a candid invitation to push the limits, expand your perspective, and discover just how great God really is.”
Jodie Berndt, Author of Praying the Scriptures for Your Children, The Undertakers Wife, and other books
“Practical atheist! We’ve all been there when it’s time to put our money where our mouth is. Susan Yates walks us through her own experience with conviction and compassion. She reminds us what we already know, but somehow have forgotten, so that the next time our faith is put to the test, we can remember that God is indeed big enough.”
Dr. Tim and Darcy Kimmel, Speakers and authors of Grace Based Parenting and Grace Filled Marriage
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