Spiritual growth

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Corné Roux

What will it take for a person to reach a level of Spiritual Maturity from the day they made a choice to live a life where God the Father, Jesus Christ and Holy Spirit is the center, and source of their life? A very difficult question to answer indeed.

This is no way a “recipe” or a “structure” on how this process will need to take place. One must always understand that each of us are on a different journey that gets influenced by so many aspects of life. And when God works with you and me, He is Almighty and has a unique plan on how He wants to grow us.

So the article is just a guideline to help you set a pace and will definitely be far from complete as I am still on a growth phase myself. I have researched this topic to a great extend from the work of Cindy Trimm and allowed the Holy Spirit to be the guide and teacher.

The first word in every heading i.e Gesture – is the greek words as used to describe the stages of growth in a natural child and you will see that there is plenty comparisons between the natural and the spiritual world.

Gesture – Incubation – Period of Growth

Everything starts in a “Womb” the seed of the Gospel is planted in a “spiritual womb” it has to grow there and develop until it become strong enough to function in the “real world”. Later on the “signs” will start to show and will become more evident as time passes.

The period of growth in the Womb comes to an end when the “Space for growth” becomes restricted. When the “seed” has outgrown its “environment it’s time for labor to start.

Natural World Seed is incubated for growth A period of time has to pass Baby is hidden Great care is taken by parents Abortion is a threat to the seed	Spiritual World  Seed is incubated by prophetic word Time has to pass – unknown period Seed is hidden and not seen at all Spirit of abortion
Threats Spirit of Abortion Early gestation – Timing is as important in spirit as it is in Natural. Premature birth =’ developmental struggles and organs that has not developed yet’	How do I grow Start dealing with your past Read word of God Take the promises and believe them. Know that Faith is the Key  Books to read: Overcoming your past – Cindy Trimm Celebration of discipline – Richard J Foster 40 day Soul Fast – Cindy Trimm  Standing Tall in a Falling World – Angelique du Toit

 

Tikto – Birth – Bonding

This is the shortest period of all the growth stages and one of the most “obvious” transition stages. This is the only stage that is very evident where all the other stages flow the one into the other. Although this stage is very short it is the most important as the foundation for identity is laid. If bonding does not take place it can be detrimental to the growth of the seed.

We have to differentiate between demonic attack and prevailing. Not every hard time has demonic influence. Sometimes we have to “push thought” just like a mother in labor. Sometimes this can be extremely difficult.

Natural World Contractions shows starting of birthing process Shortest stage Bonding extremely important	Spiritual World Prevailing vs Demonic attack Shortest stage Covenant Soul ties Water Baptism and Baptism with Holy Spirit Spirit of Orphan Spirit of Abandonment
Threats Being offended through other Christians Forgiveness Bitterness Resentment Trust issues	How do I grow Deal with your past Join a Home Church or Cell group Understand Covenant Abraham and God Recommended reading: Bait of Satan – John Bevere Blood Covenant – Dr Theo Wolmarans Killing Kryptonite – John Bevere   “Nikao website – Session 6” – Covenant

 

Paydian – 0-2yrs

This is the foundation building stage. Never without supervision. Everything is monitored and censored. Your “parents” is God. He has both the male and female capabilities to be both your mother and father.  Teachings start on all levels. Trust those put around you (Fivefold Ministry) to support you in this stage. Emotions can run wild as many areas of your life is now under “construction” it can very much resemble “chaos’ and you might feel that you are not going anywhere.

Think about “spring cleaning” your house – you start very enthusiastically and about halfway through it you question your strategy, motive and the timeframe you have available. You can easily feel this was a waste of time or event that you have created a mess and it’s better to just stop. ….. just push through… again a prevailing time. Often doubt will settle in here. You have to guard against this and pray through it.

 

Natural Teaching starts Teach them to eat Potty training (Basics are taught) Trust mom and dad Intense supervision Own ego comes out I have my own

Spiritual Trust your “Parents” Expose to teachings Ensure you have Teachers, pastors & prophets around you. Emotional basket case Hurt feelings –“ offended by Christians” Guard against – “I can do this myself “– Level of Spiritual authority don’t match your potential yet

Threat Lust – after the things of the world that will keep you from holiness Pride – will often make you compare yourself with others this will lead to one of two outcomes: I am better than you = pride and haughtiness Or You are better that me = low self-esteem and self judgement   Danger: Malnutrition

How do I grow u  Acknowledge it’s a journey that will never end u  Who restricts you? – What relationships from the past is holding you back from stretching forward. u  Remove self-deposed limitations u  New Strategies is needed – ask and discuss your plans and challenges with your “Godly Family” Growth will require comprehension (truth) and Co-operation (doing) Obedience – often a need to know basis – sometimes God will show you why you need to do something. Other times He will wait for your obedience and then give the teaching after wards. Growth will take place in stages – and stages takes time. Recommended Read: Five Love Languages – Gary Chapmen The Secret of Intercession – Andrew Murray Regions of Captivity – Ana Mendez The Bible from a Medical Perspective – Dr. MK Strydom

 

Napias – 3 – 6 years – Toddlers

This is a stage where the expectation is that it all revolves around you. As immature as you might think it sounds…(and probably is) this is still a growth stage. To learn about consequences and how your actions will influence not only you but also those around you are very important.

Identity forming is of huge importance. Your Identity is and always will be anchored in Christ. Problem is we often try to find it in other places or other people. i.e. – wife will often seek her identity in her husband – telltale sign – when you have conversations like…. He never says thank you or he did not even notice my new haircut. Your value of being a mother is determined by what your husband or parents has to say about your parenting skills.

 

Natural Self-centered Resistance to change Teach to submit to parents Cause and effect Teach to follow rules Receive lots of love to build security Emotionally immature	Spiritual Resist change – Hardheadedness Learn to trust God – walk in faith Memorize scriptures Please God by being obedient Work on Fruit of the Spirit Virtue
Threat Childishness Favoritism – being given spiritual authority because of being favored by a leader in your group Gifted and Talented vs Mature – be careful to want to step into ministry in any form just because you think you are ready. Think like a child, Speak like a child Not submitting to discipline Being without Tutors and Governors Five-fold Ministry Body of Christ	How do I grow Patience and timing Capacity building Character building Guidance on Gift development Put aside vs pray aside Learn to serve – it’s not about you Recommended Read: Who am I in Christ – Neil T Anderson Standing on the Rock – Rebecca Brown Eat my Flesh, Drink my Blood – Ana Mendez The purpose and Power of Authority – Myles Monroe

 

 

Païse – 7 – 11years – Pre-Teens

Although maturity is growing one can easily think this is it…. Its so important to understand that you will never stop learning and process of Sanctification is a constant one. Training in prayer is a hugely important aspect for the Child of God and has to be worked, studied and applied daily. As you grow closer to God, Holy Spirit will help you to understand and grow in the workings of the Spirit. Being under the tutorship of the leaders operating in the Fivefold Ministry, this is the safe place to practice your gifts and to develop them. Don’t ever be afraid to make mistakes when you are in your “safe place”.

In this period, you will train your Spirit man to rule over your flesh, which will enable you to start controlling your emotions and reactions to them. This will also be when you will be able to start recognize certain patterns and the roots there off. Don’t ever try and skip this stage, it will be detrimental to your process. As discerning between right and wrong can become easier, be aware to still check with our Godly Family when it comes to spiritual discernment.

Natural No commitment Levels of Discipline Jealousy and Pride Resistance	Spiritual Spiritual wandering Find strategy and Pray through Development of gifts
Threats   No discernment Sabotage growth by attempting to skip this stage Not about your feelings – refinement Spiritual Wandering Danger: Offence and Pride	How do I grow Find strategy and learn to pray through Discipline over mind and emotions Training my Spirit-man to greater understanding of God Create habits of success Recommended Read: Girls with Swords – Lisa Bevere Intercessory Prayer – Dutch Sheets Entering the presence of God – Derek Prince ·I give you authority – Charles Kraft

 

Teknan = 12 – 17 years – Teenagers

Time to break the walls that have been built around you and allowing mentors to stretch your thinking and your level of belief and how far can you trust God. Morality will rise. Who you are in the secret is who you need to work at. Often in sanctification you will think you have “arrived” just to realize you have just begun… however by now the process you have learned is one where you are always on the winning side. It becomes easier to recognize and to strategize. You will start seeing the relevance on how to see and apply Wisdom and your confidence levels are sure to rise…. Just keep an eye out for
“pride” he can sneak in with you noticing it.

One can easily think it’s time to fly alone…but be aware. Just like a 17year old in the natural, even though her can reproduce does not qualify him to be a parent.

Seeking your destiny from God and finding scriptures to anchor a long term vision will help you to stay focused.

Natural Making Ladies and Gentlemen Trust is tested Character building increases Teach to exist in world as a responsible adult Credibility – trustworthy	Spiritual Walls needs to come down Need mentors stretch you gently just beyond your reach – not breaking you Values in line with Destiny Personality vs Temperament Salt – Morals Light – Wisdom with revelation
Threats Restriction vs Discipline Ignorance bigger problem than Devil Can reproduce but too young to be a parent Qualified vs Positioned   Danger: Spirit of Rebellion and Early Reproduction	How do I grow Get training in Spiritual Warfare Student of word Searching God for your : Purpose – decided on by God Destiny – where you end up Recommended read: He came to set the captives free & Prepare for war – Rebecca Brown The Art of War – Cindy Trimm Rediscovering the Kingdom – Myles Monroe Inequity – Ana Mendez u

 

Wïas – 18 – 21 years – Young Adults

The difference in Wias and Wias-thesis shows us that age does not give authority. This is the example of the prodigal son. He demanded his inheritance prematurely instead of waiting for it to come to pass in the natural.

If you find yourself somewhere in this stage in the “pig-pen” like the prodigal son, be brave enough to see that going back to your father’s house is not only the right thing to do but also do it as soon as possible. There is no “compulsory period” one has to stay in the “pig-pen”.

The rite of passage will be when your focus, like the prodigal son, moved from money to inheritance. Understand that God will trust you first with a little and you proof to be obedient and honorable you will be trusted with more.

Natural Taking Control over life Licensed to be legal Paying own bills Reality of cause and effect	Spiritual Honing of Skills and Polishing of Gifts Positional power – Son ship
Threat Demanding inheritance before time is right. (Prodigal) Impatience for waiting – cancel of legacy Indifference about affect sin has for those around you Pig pen experience Missing the concept that it’s not about the money but how you rule over inheritance Danger: demand on inheritance	How do I grow See Pain as a course corrector Spiritual appetite is proof of level of spiritual maturity Take responsibility – Stop Blaming “Prodigal son – goes back to father”   Recommended reading: Seated in Heavenly places – Ana Mendez Shaking the Heavens – Ana Mendez Vessel of Honor – Rebecca Brown

 

Wïas-Thesis – 18 to 21 – reaching maturity

To secure your identity and to trust God for timing will be some of the most difficult challenges one has to overcome in this period. If one thing is clear, your identity and your destiny will be constantly attacked during all of your “adult life”.

Love freely and repent easily, forgive as quickly as possible and stay mentored by the leaders around you.  Be careful to step into sin. It often comes to you with a thought that can be easily dealt with as you have dealt with so much in your life till now. So don’t walk into the trap that you can just play in the world a “little bit” or “just one time” as this can make you fall back and lose a lot of spiritual ground.

Natural Taking ownership Secure identity Seeking and discerning good advice	Spiritual Son Placed Staying in Godly timeline Submit ion is a choice Know true freedom is to say know when it was easy saying yes. Decisions alter destiny Healing from past must be done to prohibit transfer to next generation
Threat Sin will make you go further than you wanted to go Sink deeper you wanted to sink Stay longer you wanted to stay Pay more that you wanted to pay Danger: Pride	How do I grow Learn from mistakes Repent and forgive quickly Grow your identity – don’t compete Stay mentored Recommended Reading: What in the World are you waiting for – Angelique du Toit The God chasers – Tommy Tenny Fasting – Jentezen Franklin The Salvation of the soul – Watchmen Nee High-level warfare – Ana Mendez Doomwoordeboek – Martin v d Merwe

 

Mator or Pator = 30years upwards

Ultimately our calling is to disciple people. If you look at every one of the Ministry Gifts and the Gifts of the Holy Spirit, you will see that they always serve people. Function within a Body of Christ even if you are called into some sort of ministry where you function on your own.  Always keep yourself within a Body of Christ that can help you stay on course. No one is to ever run a one-man show. This will not only keep your focus and destiny on course but it will keep you humble.

 

Natural Find spouse Have children Add to community	Spiritual Find Spiritual DNA Be a mentor, tutor or governor Function in Body of Christ Focus is to raise leaders
Threats Success measured on worldly standards Sowing, growing, watering, pruning and harvesting Failing to find DNA – Body of Christ Danger: not finding DNA & Retirement	How do I grow Stay in Body of Christ Stay under Five Fold Ministry     Recommended read: High level warfare – Ana Mendez Spirit Man – Watchmen Nee Made according to Pattern Reeks – CW Flemming (Tabernacle in the Wilderness, & Tabernacle of Ancient Israel The book of Jasher / Boek van die Opregtes

 

Throughout this process, trust the God the Father to be the director of your destiny,

Jesus Christ to be your advocate to plea your case on your behalf and

Holy Spirit to be your guide, comfort and voice of reason on this journey.

 

Value the Body of Christ around you and serve one another and love each other like you love yourself.