Growth is an essential and indisputable part of the Christian life. The apostle Paul wrote in his magnificent letter to the churches in Ephesus that they – and we – “are to grow up in every way into him who is the head, into Christ” (Eph. 4:15 ESV). We are alive in Christ. Living things grow.

Growth is good. It’s okay to want it. So, why does spiritual growth sometime seem so hard to achieve? Why is it so easy to get stuck, to feel like we aren’t progressing. And what can we do about it?

I’d like to offer three bits of advice, based on my recent discoveries. They’ve helped me. And I think they can help you, too.