You want to grow spiritually. You want to become a stronger Christian, develop greater faith, and become the person God wants you to be. But despite your best intentions, you may find yourself struggling to make the progress you desire.
Why?
The answer may surprise you. What you need most probably isn’t more information. Most of us already know more biblical truth than we’re putting into practice.
What’s missing is transformation.
Real spiritual growth requires more than knowing what needs to change. It requires a willingness to examine ourselves honestly, acknowledge what needs attention, and take action.
If you’ve ever wondered why you’re not growing spiritually, it’s time to consider the importance of biblical self-examination.
Why Self-Examination Is Essential for Spiritual Growth
There comes a point when talking, hoping, and thinking about change are no longer enough. We have to become intentional about doing something differently.
The same is true of our spiritual lives.
One of the biggest obstacles to spiritual growth is the gap between what we know and what we actually practice.
Jesus addressed this very issue in Luke 6:46 when He asked:
“But why do you call Me ‘Lord, Lord,’ and not do the things which I say?” (NKJV)
Knowing what Scripture teaches is important, but knowing isn’t the same as obeying.
James makes this distinction clear in James 1:22, reminding us to be doers of the Word and not hearers only, deceiving ourselves.
We can read the Bible, listen to sermons, attend church, and accumulate biblical knowledge without allowing that knowledge to change the way we live.
This is where self-examination becomes essential.
What Does the Bible Say About Self-Examination?
Self-examination involves taking an honest look at our lives in light of God’s Word. It means being willing to recognize attitudes, habits, behaviors, and areas of sin that may be hindering our spiritual growth.
Consider the account of Adam and Eve in Genesis 3.
After Adam and Eve disobeyed God, God asked Adam, “Where are you?” (Genesis 3:9, NKJV).
God knew exactly where Adam was. The question brought Adam face to face with his situation and the consequences of his choices.
We all need that willingness to examine ourselves honestly.
Hebrews 12:1 provides another important perspective:
“Let us lay aside every weight, and the sin which so easily ensnares us, and let us run with endurance the race that is set before us.” (NKJV)
Think about what this means for your spiritual growth.
You have a race to run. You want to become everything God wants you to become. But Scripture tells us there are weights and sins that can hinder our progress.
How can you lay aside something you’re unwilling to recognize? How can you address an issue you’re refusing to acknowledge?
You can’t effectively deal with what you refuse to examine.
Self-examination helps us recognize what needs attention so we can begin addressing it with God’s help.
3 Biblical Steps to Get Unstuck and Grow Spiritually
Understanding the importance of self-examination is one thing. Actually putting it into practice is another.
Here are three practical steps to help you move forward in your spiritual growth.
1. Honesty: Be Willing to See Yourself as You Really Are
Honest self-examination begins with a willingness to see yourself as you really are.
This sounds simple, but it can be difficult.
Sometimes we’re afraid of what we might discover. We may recognize a pattern of behavior, an attitude, a weakness, or an area of our lives that we’ve been avoiding.
It’s tempting to make excuses, minimize the issue, or compare ourselves with someone who appears to be doing worse.
But lasting spiritual growth requires honesty.
Ask yourself:
- Am I practicing what I already know Scripture teaches?
- Are there attitudes or behaviors I keep making excuses for?
- Is there an area of my life I know needs attention but have been avoiding?
Remember, self-examination isn’t about condemning yourself. It’s about becoming willing to recognize where you are so you can move forward.
God loves you, and He wants you to grow.
You cannot address what you’re unwilling to acknowledge.
2. Humility: Be Willing to Acknowledge What Needs to Change
Once you recognize something that needs attention, the next step is humility.
It’s one thing to see a problem. It’s another to acknowledge it and accept responsibility for doing something about it.
Humility means being willing to put aside your excuses, pride, and defensiveness and allow God’s Word to challenge you.
James 4:10 reminds us:
“Humble yourselves in the sight of the Lord, and He will lift you up.” (NKJV)
When you approach God with humility, you’re opening your heart to His instruction, correction, and direction.
Don’t allow pride to keep you from addressing something God is bringing to your attention.
Spiritual growth requires a teachable heart and a willingness to change.
3. Action: Be Willing to Do Something About What You Discover
This is where transformation begins to become visible.
You can be honest about what needs to change. You can acknowledge it with humility. But unless you’re willing to take action, little will be different.
Remember the distinction James makes between hearing the Word and doing the Word.
Information alone doesn’t produce transformation. We must put what we learn into practice.
If you’ve identified an area where you need to grow, determine what your next step should be.
Perhaps you need to change a habit, address an unhealthy attitude, seek forgiveness, have a difficult conversation, or become more intentional about your relationship with God.
Whatever it is, don’t stop at recognition.
Take action.
Information is cheap. Transformation is priceless.
What matters isn’t simply how much biblical knowledge you acquire. It’s what you do with what you know and who you become in the process.
How to Start Growing Spiritually Today
If you’re feeling spiritually stuck, don’t assume you need another book, another sermon, or more information.
Those things can certainly help. But consider whether what you really need is to begin applying what you already know.
Start with these three questions:
- Honesty: What do I need to recognize about myself?
- Humility: What am I willing to acknowledge and bring before God?
- Action: What am I going to do about it?
You don’t have to address everything at once. Growth happens one step at a time.
But you do have to be willing to take that first step.
The goal isn’t simply to know more. It’s to become more of the person God wants you to be.
And that requires transformation.
Frequently Asked Questions About Spiritual Growth
Why am I not growing spiritually?
One reason Christians struggle to grow spiritually is the gap between knowing biblical truth and putting it into practice. Spiritual growth requires more than acquiring knowledge. It involves self-examination, obedience, humility, and a willingness to change.
How can I grow spiritually as a Christian?
Begin by developing a consistent relationship with God through prayer and Scripture. Examine your life in light of biblical truth, acknowledge areas that need attention, and take practical steps to apply what you learn. Spiritual growth is a lifelong process of becoming more like Christ.
What is biblical self-examination?
Biblical self-examination is the practice of honestly evaluating your attitudes, thoughts, actions, and behaviors in light of God’s Word. It helps you recognize areas that need correction and growth so you can respond with humility and obedience.
Why is self-examination important for spiritual growth?
Self-examination helps you recognize the attitudes, habits, and behaviors that may be hindering your spiritual progress. You cannot effectively address an issue you refuse to acknowledge. Honest reflection creates an opportunity for meaningful change.
What are the three steps to spiritual growth?
Three practical steps are honesty, humility, and action. First, be willing to see yourself as you really are. Second, acknowledge what needs to change. Third, take action and begin putting biblical truth into practice.
Take the Next Step in Your Growth
Becoming a stronger Christian and a better leader doesn’t happen simply because you acquire more information. It happens when you allow biblical truth to shape your character, influence your decisions, and change the way you live.
Don’t settle for knowing what you should do. Be willing to take the next step.
Explore more biblical insights from Ric Bender to help you grow in character, strengthen your faith, make wiser decisions, and become a better leader in your life, work, and relationships.
Remember: Who you become matters just as much as what you accomplish.