Something struck me as I was writing about spiritual discipline. Normally when we think about human growth and development we thing about becoming more independent. A child learns to feed and clean themselves. Learning to ride a bike means that bike stabilisers are removed. We are said to develop in a skill first by watching someone do it for us, then by doing it together and finally by doing it for ourselves.
When it comes to spiritual growth, this idea of independence is turned on its head. In the garden of Eden, Adam and Eve ate the fruit because they wanted to be independent, autonomous, able to choose for themselves. Spiritual growth is away from that false autonomy. We learn to trust God’s revelation about what is right and wrong. We realise that we are fully dependent upon Christ for forgiveness and on the Holy Spirit for power to live.
It’s no surprise then that one author, Jerry Bridges talked about the disciplines of grace. It’s grace that we need most of all. Growth is about becoming more and more aware of the wonder of the Gospel. We learn that we cannot face circumstances in our own strength. We need His strength.
How are you doing at growing in dependence on God?
Faithroots 