Wondering how to mature in faith? 4 habits of strong Christians you should adopt today
When you’re struggling with issues, temptations and hanging on by a thread in your walk of faith, being a strong Christian can seem like an idealistic fantasy. But it’s truly possible!
Though we are all only human and our flesh is weak, there are certain habits that can, indeed, build up strength, fortitude and the tenacity to stand firm in faith when others around you are falling.
While there are many ways to grow and mature, here 4 foundational habits every strong Christian practices that you should adopt.
1. Desire milk. Not cows’ milk, but rather, the spiritual kind. 1 Peter 2:2 says, “As newborn babes, desire the pure milk of the word, that you may grow thereby.”
Have you ever seen how desperate a baby is for milk? Develop that same desperation for the word of God, where your soul cries out for it and you have to have it. Matthew 5:6 says, “Blessed are they who do hunger and thirst after righteousness: for they shall be filled.” If you don’t currently feel that desire, don’t worry. Pray that God would give you a greater longing in your soul for spiritual things. He’ll answer you.
2. Don’t just read the Bible. Study it. Many believers are weak because they have a very basic—if any—understanding of Scripture. If you want to go deeper in the Lord, go deeper in the word. 2 Timothy 2:15 says, “Study to show yourself approved unto God, a workman that needs not to be ashamed, rightly dividing the word of truth.”
Don’t just skim isolated verses and read your Bible app’s suggested verse of the day. No. Do more than that. Do an in-depth study of specific words, chapters and books. Learn about the history, the writer and the context of the passages. As your grasp of the message God is conveying through the Bible increases, so will your capacity to rightly interpret the word and walk it out. The word will come alive!
3. Ask for wisdom. Knowing what to do, how to live and what path you should take requires asking God for wisdom. He will grant that request.
James 1:5 says, “If any of you lacks wisdom, let him ask of God, who gives to all men liberally, and reproaches not; and it shall be given him.” You don’t have to walk around in darkness, hoping to stumble your way into halfway decent choices. Don’t settle for less than God’s wisdom, which is the key to a fulfilled life that reflects God’s glory and is filled with joy.
James 3:7 describes the wisdom of God this way: “But the wisdom from above is first pure, then peaceable, gentle, open to reason, full of mercy and good fruits, impartial and sincere.” We all want and need that kind of wisdom, so get to asking.
4. Be accountable to other believers. Your spiritual growth journey will not be fruitful without help. You need a strong community of faith to provide support, hold you accountable, offer biblically sound insight, and encourage you to honor God daily.
Proverbs 11:14 says, “Where no counsel is, the people fall: but in the multitude of counselors there is safety.” In other words, you can’t be an island unto yourself and expect to develop a healthy faith walk. Being a member of a local assembly and fostering relationships with your brothers and sisters in Christ will do wonders for your growth, too.
God doesn’t want you to remain stagnant and get comfortable on a surface level. It’s time to go deeper in God, so you can be more effective for His Kingdom.
If you put forth an effort to get closer to Him, He will reciprocate. James 4:8 says, "Draw near to God and He will draw near to you."
Prayer: God I want to grow and please You daily. As I submit to Your will, please guide me and help me to become what You desire me to be. In Jesus’ name, Amen.