Spiritual growth can be paralleled with our physical development. As babies we are not able to handle strong meat and such it is with our spiritual walk with God. There are steps that lead to our maturity and development by which we can grow in godliness.
The importance of spiritual growth can never be overstated. When a Christian reflects on their life one should see a path of steady movement. Too many Christians have been in the same spot for years and fail to even decipher this.
Here are 3 things Christians should be aware of so that our growth is not hindered:
1) Love for this present world:
For Demas hath forsaken me, having loved this present world, and is departed unto Thessalonica...(2 Timothy 4: 10a)
We can't allow an attachment to the world to inhibit our walk with God. 1 John 2: 15-17 reminds us to not love this present world, it is sure to be destroyed by God. However he who follows God's instruction will live forever. What does it profit a man to gain the whole world and lose his soul?
2) Neglecting the Word of God:
Thy word is very pure: therefore thy servant loveth it. (Psalm 119:140)
The Christian and the Word go hand in hand. It is impossible to grow without the Word. The book of Joshua reminds us to MEDITATE on God's Word day and night.
3) OTHER PEOPLE:
Then Peter and the other apostles answered and said, We ought to obey God rather than men. (Acts 5:29)
This can be one of the greatest factors in stunting the development of a Christian. Care of what others think not only hinders growth but can keep one from fulfilling the path God has set for them. Peter and the apostles remind us it is always better to obey God and not man.