Personal Reflections on Unlocking Spiritual Growth
Introduction: The Problem of Treating the Bible as Ordinary
Have you ever felt stuck in your spiritual journey, like you’re just going through the motions but not really growing? I’ve been there, and it’s easy to wonder why our faith sometimes feels stagnant. Could it be that we’re treating the Bible as just another book—something to put on a shelf, skim through, or use for reference when we need a quick answer? Sometimes, we forget the profound power the Bible holds and settle for a surface-level relationship with God’s Word.
When the Bible Becomes ‘Just Another Good Read’
It’s easy in today’s world, with so much information at our fingertips, to let the Bible blend in with all the other books we own. When we approach it like a textbook or a novel, we miss its life-giving energy. The words start to feel familiar, but not fresh. We might read out of habit or obligation instead of hunger and expectation. In doing so, we limit the impact it can have on our hearts and minds. The Bible is meant to be alive, active, and personal—but treating it as ordinary makes it feel distant and powerless.
Why Spiritual Weakness Persists
When the Bible doesn’t have a special place in our lives, we often end up relying on others to spoon-feed us spiritual insights. We listen to sermons, podcasts, or read devotionals without ever digging deep ourselves. This dependence keeps us spiritually weak and immature. We stay in the shallow end, never learning to swim on our own. It’s like being stuck at the starting line, never running the race God has set before us.
Consequences of Spiritual Immaturity
Spiritual immaturity shows up in lots of ways. We get easily discouraged when challenges come. Our prayers feel empty, and our faith shakes at the slightest trouble. We struggle to make wise choices and wonder why life feels so hard. Much like a baby who needs constant care, we’re not able to feed ourselves spiritually or stand strong when storms hit. This “babyhood” leaves us missing out on the confidence and resilience that come from spiritual maturity.
Missing Out on God’s Best
When we treat the Bible as ordinary, we miss out on God’s best for us. We overlook the peace that comes from knowing His promises, the guidance He offers in confusing times, and the healing power of His words. The Bible is God’s living message—a direct line to His heart and will. By not valuing it, we forfeit the privileges of deeper intimacy, comfort in hardship, and strength to overcome. There are treasures in Scripture waiting for us, if only we choose to seek them out.
How to Change: Becoming a ‘Doer’ of the Word
So, what can we do to break free from spiritual stagnation? Here are some practical steps to become a “doer” of the Word, not just a hearer:
· Set aside dedicated time: Make reading the Bible a regular part of your day, even if it’s just ten minutes.
· Ask God for understanding: Pray before you read, asking God to open your heart and mind to what He wants to show you.
· Put it into practice: Focus on one verse or passage, and challenge yourself to live it out that day. The real change happens when we apply what we learn.
· Journal your journey: Write down what stands out to you and how you see God working in your life through His Word.
· Share with others: Talk about what you’re learning. Teaching someone else helps root the truth deeper in your own life.
Conclusion: Encouragement to Value the Bible
If you’ve been treating the Bible as just another good read, it’s never too late to change your approach. God’s Word is living and active, and it has the power to transform your life from the inside out. Take ownership of your spiritual growth—dive into Scripture with fresh eyes and an open heart. The journey might not always be easy, but it will be worth it. Let’s stop settling for spiritual “babyhood” and step into the fullness of what God has for us. The Bible isn’t ordinary—it’s our lifeline, our guide, and our source of hope. Start today, and watch your faith come alive.
Minister A Francine Green
December 2025
afrancinegreen.com 