I've been thinking a lot about how Jesus calls us to grow and not stay the same in our walk with Him. Scripture is clear that real faith produces fruit and keeps moving forward.

For example:

• Jesus said, "I am the vine; you are the branches… whoever abides in me… bears much fruit" (John 15:5).
• Hebrews 6:1 urges us to "leave the elementary doctrine of Christ and go on to maturity."
• And in Revelation 3:15-16, Jesus warns against being lukewarm.

I know growth looks different for everyone, but I don't want to stay stagnant in my faith. I want to abide in Christ and bear fruit that lasts and continue to grow.

How do you personally keep your faith from becoming stagnant? What practices, disciplines, or mindsets help you keep growing in Christ?

TIA

J.C. Ryle wrote a book called Holiness and devoted a chapter on this subject. It's a fairly short read.

https://www.ccel.org/ccel/ryle/holiness.iii.v_1.html

"Grow in grace, and in the knowledge of our Lord and Saviour Jesus Christ." 2 Pet. 3:18

I. The reality of religious growth. There is such a thing as "growth in grace."
(a) Let us know then that "growth in grace" is the best evidence of spiritual health and prosperity.
(b) Let us know, furthermore, that "growth in grace" is one way to be happy in our religion.
(c) Let us know, furthermore, that "growth in grace" is one secret of usefulness to others.
(d) Let us know, furthermore, that "growth in grace" pleases God.
(e) Let us know, above all, that "growth in grace" is not only a thing possible, but a thing for which believers are accountable.

II. The marks of religious growth. There are marks by which "growth in grace" may be known.
(a) One mark of "growth in grace" is increased humility.
(b) Another mark of "growth in grace" is increased faith and 89love towards our Lord Jesus Christ.
(c) Another mark of "growth in grace" is increased holiness of life and conversation.
(d) Another mark of "growth in grace" is increased spirituality of taste and mind.
(e) Another mark of "growth in grace" is increase of charity (love).
(f) One more mark of "growth in grace" is increased zeal and diligence in trying to do good to souls.

III. The means of religious growth. There are means that must be used by those who desire "growth in grace."
(a) One thing essential to growth in grace is diligence in the use of private means of grace.
(b) Another thing which is essential to growth in grace is carefulness in the use of public means of grace.
(c) Another thing essential to growth in grace is watchfulness over our conduct in the little matters of everyday life.
(d) Another thing which is essential to growth in grace is caution about the company we keep and the friendships we form.
(e) There is one more thing which is absolutely essential to growth in graceand that is regular and habitual communion with the Lord Jesus.

Excellent recommendation

Prayer First
The Church & The Eucharist
(Can't have one without the other so on the same line)

"How do you personally keep your faith from becoming stagnant? What practices, disciplines, or mindsets help you keep growing in Christ?"

I would also say to understand it is a journey. It's not a race and your faith will evolve and your life will send you different places etc…. Stay the course and finish the race is the only goal. The Church is big here. Stay engaged with the Church, hopefully your priest, Church Council etc…. The more you are involved you are less likely for life to pull you other directions at times. Keep God and the Church central to all that you do.

I find replenishment in service.

barnag said:

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How do you personally keep your faith from becoming stagnant? What practices, disciplines, or mindsets help you keep growing in Christ?

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Some other thoughts if asking about me personally…

I try to practice simplicity in life which helps everything else downstream. If life is packed with activities then how are you going to "fit" your growth with God in?

My discipline (and practice) revolves around the Word of God and consuming it daily. I don't think growth can happen without knowledge of who God is. Prayer has been a harder one, and usually is for most, but the idea is praying without ceasing. Giving thanks for everything. Involving God in both the little and big things going on in life. Laying your burdens at his feet and equally giving him praise for all.

My mindset is about how everything exists to give glory to God and this should help shape my priorities in life. God is both in Heaven on his throne but is also personal and with me. His will and purposes are bigger than mine, and I ask him daily to align my thoughts with his.