10 Signs You Are Growing Spiritually (And What to Do Next)
Matthew BellShare
Spiritual growth doesn’t always look dramatic or flashy. Often, it’s quiet and steady—like roots growing deep beneath the surface. You may not always feel it, but if you’re drawing closer to God, changing your habits, and developing Christ-like character, chances are, you’re growing spiritually.
Whether you’re a new believer or have walked with Jesus for years, spiritual maturity is a continual journey. So how can you tell if you're growing? And once you recognize that growth, what should you do next?
Let’s walk through 10 signs you’re growing spiritually—and explore how to keep moving forward.
1. You Desire God’s Word More Deeply
“As newborn babes, desire the sincere milk of the word, that ye may grow thereby.” – 1 Peter 2:2 (KJV)
If you’re increasingly hungry for Scripture—wanting to read it, understand it, and apply it—you’re growing. God’s Word is spiritual food, and a growing believer longs to be nourished daily.
What to Do Next: Start a consistent Bible reading plan. Pray before you read, asking the Holy Spirit to teach and guide you.
2. You Are More Aware of Sin in Your Life
Spiritual growth often comes with a heightened awareness of sin—not because you're getting worse, but because you're getting closer to a holy God.
“Search me, O God, and know my heart: try me, and know my thoughts.” – Psalm 139:23 (KJV)
The more spiritually mature you become, the more you notice areas that need God’s refining work.
What to Do Next: Confess sin quickly and allow God to purify you. Surround yourself with people who encourage godly accountability.
3. You’re Developing a Stronger Prayer Life
Prayer shifts from being a religious task to a daily conversation with your Father.
“Pray without ceasing.” – 1 Thessalonians 5:17 (KJV)
You start praying more often, more honestly, and with deeper trust. You understand that prayer isn’t just asking for things—it’s about relationship.
What to Do Next: Set aside intentional prayer time, even if it's short. Consider keeping a prayer journal to record answered prayers and spiritual insights.
4. You Obey God Even When It’s Hard
As you grow, obedience becomes less about convenience and more about love.
“If ye love me, keep my commandments.” – John 14:15 (KJV)
You begin to obey out of a desire to please God, not out of guilt or fear. You trust that His ways are best, even when you don’t understand them fully.
What to Do Next: Reflect on areas where obedience is still a struggle. Ask the Holy Spirit for strength to walk in faithfulness.
5. You’re Less Controlled by Emotions
Spiritual growth brings stability. You may still feel fear, anger, or disappointment—but they no longer dominate your decisions.
“He that is slow to anger is better than the mighty; and he that ruleth his spirit than he that taketh a city.” – Proverbs 16:32 (KJV)
Self-control, a fruit of the Spirit, grows as you yield to God.
What to Do Next: When emotions rise, pause and pray. Ask God to help you respond with wisdom and grace.
6. You Love Others More Deeply
“By this shall all men know that ye are my disciples, if ye have love one to another.” – John 13:35 (KJV)
You begin to love people who are difficult, forgive those who hurt you, and serve without seeking recognition. Spiritual maturity manifests in love.
What to Do Next: Look for practical ways to love your neighbors, friends, coworkers, and even enemies.
7. You’re More Concerned With Eternal Things
As you grow spiritually, you begin to see life through an eternal lens. Material possessions, popularity, and temporary pleasures lose their grip.
“Set your affection on things above, not on things on the earth.” – Colossians 3:2 (KJV)
You start thinking more about God’s kingdom than your own comfort.
What to Do Next: Evaluate your priorities. Invest time, resources, and energy into things with eternal impact—like prayer, discipleship, and outreach.
8. You Handle Trials With Greater Faith
Troubles still come—but instead of panicking or giving up, you lean on God.
“My brethren, count it all joy when ye fall into divers temptations; Knowing this, that the trying of your faith worketh patience.” – James 1:2–3 (KJV)
Spiritual growth doesn’t mean a life without problems—it means a life that sees problems through the eyes of faith.
What to Do Next: When facing a trial, ask God what He wants to teach you. Trust His timing and purpose.
9. You Experience More of the Fruit of the Spirit
“But the fruit of the Spirit is love, joy, peace, longsuffering, gentleness, goodness, faith, meekness, temperance…” – Galatians 5:22–23 (KJV)
These traits are evidence of spiritual maturity—not manufactured by effort, but produced by God’s Spirit in a surrendered life.
What to Do Next: Stay connected to Jesus daily (John 15). The more time you spend with Him, the more you’ll bear fruit.
10. You Have a Desire to Help Others Grow
Spiritual growth isn’t just about you. As you mature, you naturally want to disciple others, encourage their faith, and share the Gospel.
“Go ye therefore, and teach all nations…” – Matthew 28:19 (KJV)
Your heart expands to care about the spiritual well-being of others.
What to Do Next: Ask God who you can mentor, disciple, or encourage. Step out in faith to make a difference in someone’s spiritual journey.
Final Thought: Growth Is a Journey
Spiritual growth is not a destination—it’s a lifelong journey of becoming more like Jesus. Some seasons will feel slow, and others may be filled with visible progress. But as long as you’re pressing into God, humbling yourself, and seeking His will, you are moving forward.
“Being confident of this very thing, that he which hath begun a good work in you will perform it until the day of Jesus Christ.” – Philippians 1:6 (KJV)
Be encouraged. If you see these signs in your life, you’re not stagnant—you’re growing. And God is faithful to complete the work He started in you.
If this helped you, share it with a friend who could benefit from this message. You never know how your encouragement might help someone grow in their walk with Christ.
