> Congratulations on starting your journey as a follower of Jesus! Becoming a Christian is a life-changing decision that opens the door to a relationship with God, the joy of salvation, and a purpose-filled life. But what happens next? How do you grow deeper in your faith and live out the calling to follow Jesus? Here are 14 essential lessons and practical steps to help you begin growing in your Christian faith. These principles are based on timeless truths from the Bible and insights from faithful followers of Christ over the centuries.
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1. Build a Daily Relationship with God
“Draw near to God, and He will draw near to you” (James 4:8).
Growing in faith starts with spending time with God every day. Prayer is your way of talking to Him, and reading the Bible is how He speaks to you. Set aside time daily to pray, read Scripture, and reflect on God’s guidance for your life. Practices such as journaling or meditation can also help deepen your connection with Him.
“The soul does not grow by addition but by subtraction. It grows by the removal of obstacles that obstruct its life and light.” — Brother Lawrence (The Practice of the Presence of God)
2. Understand the Cost of Discipleship
“If anyone comes to me and does not hate his own father and mother and wife and children and brothers and sisters, yes, and even his own life, he cannot be my disciple” (Luke 14:26).
Jesus said, “Whoever wants to be my disciple must deny themselves and take up their cross daily and follow me” (Luke 9:23). Following Christ involves sacrifice and sometimes hardship. It means committing to God’s will over personal desires. While difficult, this life of surrender leads to unimaginable peace, joy, and eternal reward.
“When Christ calls a man, He bids him come and die.” — Dietrich Bonhoeffer (The Cost of Discipleship)
3. Grow in Community
“And let us consider how to stir up one another to love and good works, not neglecting to meet together” (Hebrews 10:24–25).
Faith is not meant to be lived in isolation. Engage in a local church and join a small group of believers who can encourage you, pray with you, and walk alongside you. Surrounding yourself with a supportive Christian community will help you stay accountable and grow in your discipleship.
“Christianity means community through Jesus Christ and in Jesus Christ. No Christian community is more or less than this.” — Dietrich Bonhoeffer (Life Together)
4. Live Counterculturally
“Do not conform to the pattern of this world, but be transformed by the renewing of your mind” (Romans 12:2).
As a Christian, you are called to live differently from the world. The values of God’s Kingdom—love, humility, forgiveness, generosity—are often at odds with cultural norms. Stay focused on God’s Word and prioritize His will over fleeting worldly pursuits, knowing that your life is meant to reflect Christ.
“We cannot serve the same desires the world idolizes and claim Christ as our King at the same time.” — Lee Camp (Mere Discipleship)
5. Be Intentional About Spiritual Growth
“Practice these things, immerse yourself in them, so that all may see your progress” (1 Timothy 4:15).
Growth in faith doesn’t happen by accident. Regularly practice spiritual habits such as prayer, fasting, worship, and serving others. Set specific goals, like memorizing Scripture or dedicating 10 extra minutes to prayer every day, to nurture your development as a disciple of Jesus.
“Discipline without direction is drudgery.” — Donald Whitney (Spiritual Disciplines for the Christian Life)
6. Respond Radically to God’s Love
“We love because He first loved us” (1 John 4:19).
God’s love is extraordinary, unconditional, and overwhelming. He sent His Son to die for us so that we could have eternal life (John 3:16). Such “crazy love” calls for a passionate response. Live boldly, give generously, serve selflessly, and make every part of your life reflect your love for Him.
“When you’re wildly in love with someone, it changes everything.” — Francis Chan (Crazy Love)
7. Share Your Faith and Make Disciples
“Go therefore and make disciples of all nations” (Matthew 28:19).
As a follower of Jesus, you are called to share the good news. Making disciples includes teaching others about Christ, modeling His love, and walking alongside them in their journey. Whether at home, work, or in your community, look for opportunities to invite others to experience the hope and joy of Christ.
“Jesus commands not just to make converts but disciples—followers who learn and live out his teachings.” — David Platt (Follow Me)
8. Depend on God’s Grace and Power
“My grace is sufficient for you, for My power is made perfect in weakness” (2 Corinthians 12:9).
You can’t grow in faith by your own strength—it’s only possible through God’s grace and the power of the Holy Spirit. Trust that God is working in you and lean on Him in moments of weakness. His grace is sufficient to sustain you and transform you, step by step.
“God doesn’t call the equipped, He equips the called.” — Unknown
9. Live with an Eternal Perspective
“Do not store up for yourselves treasures on earth…but store up for yourselves treasures in heaven” (Matthew 6:19–20).
This life is fleeting, but eternity is forever. Prioritize what truly matters: your relationship with God and the Kingdom work He has called you to. Instead of being consumed with temporary success or material possessions, focus on living for eternal treasures.
“Only one life, ’twill soon be past, only what’s done for Christ will last.” — C.T. Studd
10. Serve Others and Love Like Jesus
“But whoever would be great among you must be your servant” (Matthew 20:26).
Love is the defining mark of a Christian (John 13:35). Look for ways to serve others, care for those in need, and demonstrate Christ’s love in action. Practice forgiveness, extend grace, and live out the selfless love that Jesus showed to you.
“Love is the root of missions; sacrifice is the fruit of missions.” — Roderick Davis
11. Stay Rooted in Scripture
“Your word is a lamp to my feet and a light to my path” (Psalm 119:105).
The Bible is your guidebook for life and the ultimate source of truth. Be intentional about reading it daily, studying it deeply, and applying it practically. Whether through devotionals, Bible studies, or memorizing key verses, Scripture will shape your thoughts, strengthen your faith, and equip you for every good work.
“The Bible will keep you from sin, or sin will keep you from the Bible.” — Dwight L. Moody
12. Be Patient with the Process
“Do not grow weary in doing good, for at the proper time we will reap a harvest if we do not give up” (Galatians 6:9).
Spiritual growth takes time—it’s a lifelong journey. Don’t be discouraged if change feels slow or if you face challenges along the way. Trust God’s promise in Philippians 1:6: “He who began a good work in you will carry it on to completion until the day of Christ Jesus.”
“God’s work in you isn’t rushed. Trust His timing.” — David Platt
13. Practice Gratitude and Worship
“Give thanks in all circumstances; for this is God’s will for you in Christ Jesus” (1 Thessalonians 5:18).
Cultivate a heart of gratitude by regularly thanking God for His love, blessings, and faithfulness. Worship doesn’t just happen in church but in every aspect of your life. Honor God with your words, actions, and attitude, making Him the center of everything you do.
“Gratitude precedes the miracle.” — Ann Voskamp
14. Guard Against Complacency
“So, because you are lukewarm—neither hot nor cold—I am about to spit you out of my mouth” (Revelation 3:16).
It’s easy to grow comfortable in your faith, but God calls us to a life of continual growth and pursuit. Be vigilant against settling for lukewarm Christianity. Keep seeking to know Christ more deeply and to live in ever-greater obedience to Him.
“Faith grows or it dies. There’s no middle ground.” — Francis Chan
Final Thoughts
Your faith journey is just beginning! Remember, the Christian life is not about perfection—it’s about trusting in Jesus and walking with Him each day. You don’t have to do this alone; God has given you His Spirit to guide and empower you, as well as a community of believers to support you.
As you take these steps and apply these lessons, you will grow in your relationship with Jesus and reflect His love to the world around you. The journey of discipleship is challenging but deeply fulfilling, and it leads to eternal joy and purpose.
Keep your eyes on Jesus, and take heart that He goes with you every step of the way.
What steps are you taking to grow in your faith today? Share your thoughts or questions in the comments below. Let’s grow together as we follow Christ!
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