How Can Believers Reflect Christ’s Character Through Spiritual Growth?

16 hours ago6 min read

Imitating Christ as the Model for Growth in Righteousness

The Scriptures emphasize that spiritual growth involves becoming increasingly conformed to the character and image of Jesus Christ, who is the perfect standard of righteousness. The apostle Paul expressed this goal when he wrote, “Be ye followers of me, even as I also am of Christ” (1 Corinthians 11:1). This process begins with the recognition that believers are called to live differently from the world, exhibiting the fruits of righteousness that glorify Jehovah and provide a testimony to others of His transformative power.

To reflect Christ’s character, believers must first recognize their complete reliance on the Word of God for instruction, correction, and guidance. Paul wrote to Timothy, “All scripture is given by inspiration of God, and is profitable for doctrine, for reproof, for correction, for instruction in righteousness: that the man of God may be perfect, throughly furnished unto all good works” (2 Timothy 3:16-17). Here, the apostle underscores the sufficiency of Scripture in equipping believers for every aspect of spiritual maturity. Without a firm grounding in the Word, spiritual growth stagnates, leaving believers vulnerable to worldly influences and false teachings.

The process of reflecting Christ’s character requires continual sanctification, an ongoing journey of holiness achieved through obedience to God’s Word. Jesus prayed for His disciples, saying, “Sanctify them through thy truth: thy word is truth” (John 17:17). This sanctification is not an instantaneous transformation but a daily endeavor to put off the old self, with its sinful desires and behaviors, and to put on the new self, created in righteousness and holiness (Ephesians 4:22-24). As Paul reminded the Galatians, “I am crucified with Christ: nevertheless I live; yet not I, but Christ liveth in me: and the life which I now live in the flesh I live by the faith of the Son of God, who loved me, and gave himself for me” (Galatians 2:20). This passage highlights the believer’s union with Christ, which empowers spiritual growth and enables the display of His character.

HAPPINESS: The Guidebook for a Purposeful Life

Buy Now

The Role of Obedience and Holiness in Spiritual Growth

Obedience to God's commands is a hallmark of spiritual growth and a key indicator of genuine faith. Jesus declared, “If ye love me, keep my commandments” (John 14:15). Love for God is not an abstract sentiment but is demonstrated through the consistent practice of His will as revealed in Scripture. Spiritual growth involves a deepening understanding of these commandments and an increasing willingness to submit to them, even when doing so requires personal sacrifice or the rejection of worldly values.

Holiness, a defining characteristic of God, is central to the believer's calling and spiritual growth. Peter exhorted Christians, “As obedient children, not fashioning yourselves according to the former lusts in your ignorance: but as he which hath called you is holy, so be ye holy in all manner of conversation; because it is written, Be ye holy; for I am holy” (1 Peter 1:14-16). This call to holiness underscores the need for believers to separate themselves from sinful behaviors and to align their lives with Jehovah's moral standards. Such holiness is not achieved through human effort alone but requires divine help and a commitment to studying and applying the Scriptures.

Holiness also involves an active resistance to sin and a deliberate pursuit of righteousness. Paul admonished the Romans, “Neither yield ye your members as instruments of unrighteousness unto sin: but yield yourselves unto God, as those that are alive from the dead, and your members as instruments of righteousness unto God” (Romans 6:13). This yielding to God reflects a conscious decision to prioritize spiritual growth and to allow His Word to shape every aspect of life.

MISGUIDED THINKING: Correct and Guide Your Thoughts in a Healthier Direction

Buy Now

The Evidence of Spiritual Growth in Daily Living

The evidence of spiritual growth is seen in the transformation of the believer's character, attitudes, and actions. This transformation is characterized by the development of the fruit of the Spirit, as described in Galatians 5:22-23: “But the fruit of the Spirit is love, joy, peace, longsuffering, gentleness, goodness, faith, meekness, temperance: against such there is no law.” These qualities reflect the character of Christ and are the result of consistent study and application of Scripture, which serves as the believer’s guide for righteous living.

A key aspect of spiritual growth is the ability to endure life’s challenges with faith and perseverance, recognizing that Jehovah’s purposes are accomplished through steadfast trust in His Word. James wrote, “Blessed is the man that endureth temptation: for when he is tried, he shall receive the crown of life, which the Lord hath promised to them that love him” (James 1:12). While Jehovah does not bring evil upon His people, He allows them to navigate a fallen world where their faith can be tested and strengthened through reliance on His promises.

Spiritual growth also manifests in a believer's relationships with others, as love, forgiveness, and humility become defining characteristics. Paul instructed the Colossians, “Put on therefore, as the elect of God, holy and beloved, bowels of mercies, kindness, humbleness of mind, meekness, longsuffering; forbearing one another, and forgiving one another, if any man have a quarrel against any: even as Christ forgave you, so also do ye” (Colossians 3:12-13). These qualities not only reflect spiritual maturity but also serve as a testimony to the transforming power of the gospel.

FAITHFUL MINDS: A Biblical and Cognitive Behavioral Therapy Approach ...

Buy Now

The Ultimate Goal of Spiritual Growth

The ultimate goal of spiritual growth is to glorify Jehovah and to prepare for eternity with Him. Paul expressed this goal in Philippians 3:13-14, saying, “Brethren, I count not myself to have apprehended: but this one thing I do, forgetting those things which are behind, and reaching forth unto those things which are before, I press toward the mark for the prize of the high calling of God in Christ Jesus.” This "high calling" represents the believer’s ultimate hope of eternal life, made possible through Christ’s redemptive work.

Spiritual growth is not an end in itself but is part of a larger divine plan that culminates in the believer’s transformation at the resurrection. Paul explained this future hope, writing, “For our conversation is in heaven; from whence also we look for the Savior, the Lord Jesus Christ: who shall change our vile body, that it may be fashioned like unto his glorious body, according to the working whereby he is able even to subdue all things unto himself” (Philippians 3:20-21). This glorification represents the final stage of spiritual growth, where believers will be fully conformed to Christ’s image and freed from the presence of sin.

Spiritual growth, therefore, is an ongoing journey that requires diligence, commitment to Scripture, and a desire to reflect Christ in every aspect of life. It is accomplished through the power of God’s Word, which equips believers for every good work and prepares them for eternity.

LIFE DOES HAVE A PURPOSE: Discovering and Living Your Ultimate Purpose

Buy Now

About the Author

EDWARD D. ANDREWS (AS in Criminal Justice, BS in Religion, MA in Biblical Studies, and MDiv in Theology) is CEO and President of Christian Publishing House. He has authored over 220 books. In addition, Andrews is the Chief Translator of the Updated American Standard Version (UASV).