The Quickest Way to Grow Spiritually

It’s not more Bible study. It’s not praying more. Recently I was listening to an interview with the great Dallas Willard, a man of the faith with great insight on spiritual growth. A long term professor at USC, he has inspired generations of believers with his teachings. He was asked this question, “If someone came up to you and asked how they could grow in their faith, what would you tell them?” Here was his answer:

“Do the next right thing you know you ought to do.” That was it. He didn’t answer “enroll in a Bible study class” or “pray more.” His formula for spiritual growth is simple: obey what you know God has already told you to do. How different than the classical models of spiritual formation, where maturity is measured by how many Bible studies you’re in! For Willard, spiritual growth comes not with information, but with application.

In John 15, Jesus links obeying his commands with bearing much fruit, all of which lead to God’s glory and our greatest joy. So, grow in your faith today. Obey God in some area of your life that you know you need to.

QUESTION: What’s the next right thing you know you ought to do?