In Order to Grow Spiritually Far too often we direct our Bible study toward confirming what we know instead of learning so as to grow. We sit passively in Bible Study, silently disagreeing with the teacher yet unwilling to allow our own beliefs to be tested. We believe that if we understand the words given that we also understand the background, context, deeper implications and application that go with those words. We confuse Bible reading with Bible study and often judge accuracy according to what we have always believed instead of by what the Bible actually says. Therefore, in our Bible study we have conditioned ourselves NOT to learn and NOT to grow.
Spiritual growth requires being challenged and then meeting that challenge.
It takes more than just attendance, more than quoting a few scriptures, more than reading a commentary or two. Neither is spirituality the sum of emotional highs maintained by constant hugging. In order to grow spiritually, we must devote ourselves to acquiring spiritual knowledge that we may apply. Though spiritual knowledge alone does not assure spiritual growth, spiritual growth is impossible without first acquiring spiritual knowledge. That is, one must know what it means to be spiritual and act spiritually before it can become a basic component in life.