The following article is an excerpt from Walking with God by Michael Phillips.
Spiritual growth is one of the most commonly recognized components of the Christian life. In connection with the prayer of Christlikeness, however, we are speaking of something vastly different than the accumulation of spiritual data that often goes by that name.
Many Christians define growth by an increase in their storehouses of biblical and doctrinal knowledge accompanied by expanding insights into spiritual principles. The “old man” delights in filling those soul-granaries to overflowing.
What Make-me-like-Jesus disciples consider growth, rather, is toward less of anything to which their flesh can cling, take pleasure in, or feed on. Whatever exalts and nourishes the self is a step backward rather than forward. Increasing knowledge about the Bible and doctrine and theology, in particular, when kept in the head rather than feeding the inner man, is admirably suited for nourishing and exalting the old Adam.
When one begins praying the prayer of Christlikeness, he or she is no longer his own. Every motive gradually becomes imbued with new significance, new perspective, new subtleties. To respond as Jesus responded steals imperceptibly by degrees into consciousness as the illuminating purpose giving everything in life revised definition and meaning. The word gradually is imperative. All growth is slow. It takes time for seeds to sprout and for tiny root fibers to reach down into the earth.
Expecting too much too soon is a prescription for endless discouragement. Growth begins with motive. The desire to grow animates the seed into life. It sprouts, roots deepen, and fruit will grow as long as the motive and desire to grow continues to water the fragile but increasingly robust plant of obedience.
I had originally written the sentence three paragraphs above, “To respond as Jesus responded floods into being…” I realized that, except in brief moments, that is not an accurate image of what happens. We are not usually flooded with new outlooks. Rather, we slowly become aware that they are slipping in the back door, invisibly changing perspectives and priorities. We may not even be aware of these subtle changes in our outlook at first.
– Excerpted from pages 38-39 of Walking with God by Michael Phillips
Continue Reading: Walking with God by Michael Phillips
Culminating a 50-year writing career as one of our generation’s best-selling Christian novelists, Michael Phillips has penned what could be one of his most significant titles.
Walking with God presents ten principles of discipleship with clarity and wisdom that may change how you view your personal walk with God.