Even though Christian growth doesn’t happen without the Holy Spirit, we are called to be purposeful as we walk in faith and obedience. With that intentionality, growth in Christ means we must walk with others. We need other believers to show us the way, encourage us, and keep us accountable. The first step of keeping a brother or sister accountable is asking good questions, so you know how they are doing. What can you learn from them? Where do they need additional support? But our interest in healthy Christian growth must extend beyond just Bible reading and prayer. We must seek to grow holistically – to become more like Jesus in every aspect of life.
In that vein, what follows are seven key areas of life and probing questions to think through. These are questions you can ask yourself, but how much better is it to sit across the table from a friend and really find out how you are doing? Get specific. Get personal. Keep one another accountable. Grow in Christ together.
- Spiritual Growth: How are you pursuing intimacy with Jesus? Is your maturity increasing? What are some of your ‘defense tactics’ against temptation? Are you spending daily time in prayer, worship, and the Word? Are you committed to learning and growing through Sunday worship, small groups, and accountability relationships?
- Physical Health: Are you getting enough sleep at night, so you have energy for your day? Are you taking one day each week for true rest? Are you being careful about your eating habits, so you stay healthy and maintain energy? Are you making time for exercise and recreation to keep your body healthy for the long term?
- Marriage Relationship: Are you being purposeful to love, serve, and invest in your spouse? Are you being intentional each day to practically build emotional, spiritual, and sexual intimacy? Are you setting aside specific time each week to grow a fulfilling friendship and a vibrant romance? (These questions can be adapted for a girlfriend/boyfriend as well.)
- Family Life: Are you investing in the spiritual health of your family? Are you taking initiative to build relationships? Are you praying with your family? Are you putting time and energy into parenting your children? Are you spending time together each day? Are you helping meet the practical needs of managing the house? (These questions can be adapted for friends and roommates as well.)
- Work Sphere: Are you glorifying God by working hard with integrity? Are you upholding a Christ-like witness with your coworkers? Are you avoiding looking to your job in an unhealthy way for fulfillment and identity? Are you maintaining a healthy balance between the responsibilities of work and home? (These questions can be adapted for students as well.)
- Church Life: Are you actively serving in the church and using the gifts God has given you? Are you serving reluctantly or joyfully? Are you fulfilled in ministry? Do you have good communication with your ministry team? Are you investing in authentic relationships for encouragement and accountability? Are you serving in the strength of the Holy Spirit?
- Gospel Mission: Are you striving to be “in the world, not of the world”? Do you tend to stray too close to the world, adopting its values; or do you tend to withdraw and isolate from the world? Are you building friendships and taking initiative with those in your life who don’t know Christ? Are you actively praying for and sharing the Gospel with lost friends and neighbors?