Virtually all the epistle writers lay emphasis on the need to mature in our walk with God. Peter encouraged his readers to grow in grace and in the knowledge of the Lord Jesus Christ. (See 2 Peter 3:18). When Paul wrote to the Corinthians about proper conduct in public worship, he admonished them to do everything for edification.  Edification means growing up or maturing in the things of God. The focus of a believer should be to increase in the things of the Spirit.  Why is a build-up necessary? It is for the singular reason that we were not born into the Kingdom of God as full grown adults. No matter our age when we became born again, we started the journey as babes. We need to grow through a series of spiritual diet that includes the milk of the Word and prayer. Without this no growth will result and we will not be able to handle the big things that God has kept for us.

An authentic measure of growth is change; and that in a positive sense.

Growth in grace is measurable, though not in a scientific sense. Also, growth is not measured necessarily by how long we have spent in the Church. An authentic measure of growth is change; and that in a positive sense. What has changed since you professed faith in Christ? You know growth is taking place when someone who is prone to murmur is now full of gratitude. It is growth when someone whose speech was formerly harsh and inconsiderate now speaks to lift up people’s spirits. In summary, when the things that used to overpower you no longer have control of you, you are maturing through grace.