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If you are reading this article as a new believer in Christ, welcome to the family of God! Just as a newborn baby must continue to grow after birth, new believers must also grow in faith, wisdom, and holiness to become more like Jesus. “But grow in grace, and in the knowledge of our Lord and Saviour Jesus Christ. To him be glory both now and for ever. Amen.” (2 Peter 3:18). If a baby does not grow after birth, something is wrong. All births result in growth. We may grow at different rates and in different ways, but growth is evidence of life.
When Jesus told Nicodemus that he “must be born again” to see the kingdom of God, He was using a metaphor that we all understand. Babies do not strive to grow every day; they grow because they are alive. When we are born of the Spirit, the Holy Spirit of God moves into our hearts and begins to transform us from the inside out.
Growing as a new believer is not primarily about changing outward behaviors; it is a work of the Spirit within us. Through our act of faith (Romans 10:9-10), the Spirit starts to renew our thoughts, attitudes, desires, and perspective to align with His. Growth does not come from our own efforts to improve ourselves; rather, it is the Holy Spirit’s work in us that instills a desire to pursue godliness. If such desires are absent, it is likely that no new birth has taken place (James 2:17-18).
Another key to growing as a new believer is to seek fellowship with other believers who can encourage, support, and guide you in your spiritual journey. Remember, growth is a process that takes time and requires patience and perseverance. Trust in the Lord to continue the good work He has started in you (Philippians 1:6).Believers are recognizing the importance of God’s Word in this new life of faith. Just as the regular intake of milk is critical for a baby’s growth and development, so God’s Word is crucial for new believers. “Like newborn babies, long for the pure milk of the word, so that by it you may grow in respect to salvation” «as newborn babes, desire the sincere milk of the word, that ye may grow thereby: », (1 Peter 2:2, NASB).
There are many thought patterns to replace, attitudes to reform, and behaviors to alter as an ungodly sinner becomes a holy saint. Romans 12:1–2 says, “I appeal to you, therefore, brothers, by the mercies of God, to present your bodies as a living sacrifice, holy and acceptable to God, which is your spiritual worship. Do not be conformed to this world, but be transformed by the renewal of your mind, that by testing you may discern what is the will of God, what is good and acceptable and perfect.” Our minds are renewed as we allow God’s truth to replace the world’s lies. That continual renewal produces spiritual growth.
Another key for growing as a new believer is seeking godly fellowship. Most of the New Testament is written to churches, not individuals. The importance of Christian fellowship cannot be overstated. But fellowship involves more than simple church attendance as a spectator. Believers are the church (Ephesians 1:23;Colossians 1:18). Each member is a part of Christ’s Body on earth «and hath put all things under his feet, and gave him to be the head over all things to the church, », (Ephesians 1:22). Together we reach the lost world, minister to each other, and practice unity that prepares us for an eternity in heaven. New believers must find a church that teaches God’s Word, get involved in serving.Serving and developing healthy relationships with other believers is essential. As it is said, “Iron sharpeneth iron; So a man sharpeneth the countenance of his friend” (Proverbs 27:17).
Practicing obedience also aids in the growth of new believers and establishes healthy behavior patterns. Before encountering Jesus, we followed our fleshly desires and passions, “as obedient children, not fashioning yourselves according to the former lusts in your ignorance” (1 Peter 1:14). We were obedient to our flesh. Crucial to living as a Christian is learning to crucify the flesh and live according to the Spirit, “redeeming the time, because the days are evil” (Ephesians 5:16,25). Additionally, “Husbands, love your wives, even as Christ also loved the church, and gave himself for it” (Ephesians 5:16,25). This is referred to as “walking by the Spirit.” Growing believers continuously surrender more areas of their lives to Christ’s obedience and release their need to control things.
Another significant aspect of growing as a new believer is guarding what enters our minds and hearts. Proverbs 4:23 advises, “Above all else, guard your heart, for everything you do flows from it.” Upon surrendering our lives to Christ, we become citizens of a different kingdom. The closer our relationship with God, the more we will sense like “strangers and pilgrims” on earth, “Dearly beloved, I beseech you as strangers and pilgrims, abstain from fleshly lusts, which war against the soul” (1 Peter 2:11, KJV). Our preferences start to shift; we assess our choices in entertainment, friendships, habits, and more.Our thoughts ponder, asking, “Does this uplift my heart in praise to God or drag me into worldliness?” As we develop as a new believer, we immerse our lives in worship, praise, prayer, Scripture, godly relationships, purity, and wholesome entertainment (see Philippians 4:8).
Maturing as followers of Christ is a continual journey. We never reach a point where we can declare, “I have reached my destination. I no longer need to grow.” Even the apostle Paul did not see himself as having “arrived” «Not as though I had already attained, either were already perfect: but I follow after, if that I may apprehend that for which also I am apprehended of Christ Jesus. », (Philippians 3:12). Advancing in wisdom and maturity enables us to align with God’s purpose for our lives. We discover that the more we learn about God, the more there is to discover.
