If we want spiritual growth is it important that we see and hear spiritually? I think it is one of the basics of spiritual growth.
Is it possible to have spiritual sight and hearing with no spiritual growth? I think so for several reasons. We can have spiritual sight and hearing and be in the condition that Jesus spoke of; “Seeing they see not; hearing they hear not. This is the condition of many Christian people.
Other people do see and hear spiritual things but do not act on them. Sight and hearing makes it possible for me to respond to situations around me.
For some people seeing and hearing spiritual things is not good for them or their family or the people around them. The natural man gets a hold of it and the ego becomes inflated and they think they are greater then others and more spiritual then other people. I expect most of you have encountered these people.
Often I have heard this remark; “That person never grew up”! What did they mean by that statement? In most cases it did not mean there body did not develop; it ment they were still acting and functioning like children.
Can this happen to us as born-again Christians? Yes! Look in the bible;
1 Corinthians 3:1 And I brethren could not speak to you as spiritual men, but as to men of flesh, as to babes in Christ
Galatians 3:3 Are you so foolish? Having begun by the Spirit, are you now being perfected by the flesh?
Hebrews 5: 11 Concerning him we have much to say, and it is hard to explain, since you have become hard of hearing.
Hebrews 5:13 For everyone who partakes only of milk is not accustomed to the word of righteousness for he is a baby.
I spent some time thinking about that last statement about the word of righteousness. What is the word of righteousness? I came to the conclusion that it is the living word that is being written in our heart and mind moment by moment, that we are to live by; and if we do; we are being led by the spirit in the same way that Jesus was.
Being a spiritual person means that I think spiritually I act spiritually; I function from the spirit in me and not from the natural man or natural reasoning.
When The Lord brought me into this ministry I had a lot going for me; I went to church but I was not a religious person. I did not know the bible at all. I had nothing to offer anyone. Now I realize that is just what the Lord wanted. He did not have to free me from someone else’s teaching.
He gave me a hunger for the bible, but he would not let me read commentaries or use the helps. He wanted to interpret the scriptures to me, that is what He wants to do for you also.
You want to grow spiritually; do like Paul, leave the old things behind and look to the Holy Spirit.