If you’re serious about growing in your walk with Christ, I believe four essentials are foundational to your spiritual journey: Pray, Read, Listen, and Do. While there may be additional practices that can support your growth, without these four, your foundation won’t be as strong. Let’s dive into each of these essentials and explore why they’re so critical for anyone looking to grow in faith.
1) Pray – The Cornerstone of Faith
Prayer is fundamental to a life with Christ, yet many don’t prioritize it or think it’s limited to saying grace over a meal. Let me tell you—prayer works! It’s in prayer that we experience closeness with God. If you’re married, incorporate prayer time with your spouse and family. Involving God in everything you do, big and small, releases your faith and reminds you that He is with you.
Prayer allows you to express both your joys and concerns directly to God, building your relationship with Him and uplifting your spirit. Without consistent prayer, you’ll find it much harder to walk confidently with God.
2) Read – Building Knowledge and Connection
Reading Scripture is essential to knowing God. How can we know what He desires for us if we aren’t in the Word? Familiarity with the Bible not only keeps us steady in our faith but also keeps us from misinterpreting what God has said. Daily time in the Bible opens our hearts to the Holy Spirit’s guidance.
Beyond the Bible, reading other spiritually enriching books can deepen our understanding and perspective. Great Christian books can spark insights that align with and enhance our understanding of Scripture. Remember, these books are supplementary, not replacements, for the Bible itself.
3) Listen – Tuning In to God’s Voice
Many people attend church, but how often do we truly listen? We might sit through a sermon with our minds wandering to our to-do lists or bills, missing the chance to hear God speak through His messenger. Focus fully on what God wants you to hear in every sermon.
With today’s technology, we can hear sermons from countless voices across the world, enabling us to listen to teachings that deepen our understanding. Try listening to a sermon a day—even while doing tasks around the house. Additionally, Bible training resources are excellent for grounding us in Scripture, helping us realize the truth of God’s word.
4) Do – Putting Faith into Action
As James reminds us, “Faith without works is dead” (James 2:26). Application of your faith is the ultimate growth point. Serving God in a way that uses your skills—whether in your church or out in the community—is a great way to live out your faith. For me, writing this blog is one way I serve God, sharing what I’ve learned to help others grow.
When you focus on these four areas, your faith will grow. If you’re in a spiritual slump, recommitting to these essentials can help pull you out. God knows what you’re going through and will guide you through life’s valleys, but it’s up to you to take those steps.
Living a God-Inspired Life,
Chris Benton