Many have found it very helpful to understand the different stages of growth that Christians go through. Here are some of the reasons we might find it helpful to recognize stages of growth:
- Understand where we are spiritually and where we need to go.
- Realize it is ok to be where we are; it is normal and others are there too.
- Know what experiences, emotions, and thoughts are normal for your situation.
- Know what attitudes, scripture, and practices are best for our situation.
- Not resist or escape the stage of growth we are in, but rather flow with God’s work.
- Not become overly attached to the stage we are in.
- Realize that we are not in or out of the “good Christian” box. Rather, are we staying on the road to maturity. This helps avoid legalism.
- Understand how to guide others who want to grow.
- Be more understanding of what others may have been through, or are going through now. We need to let people be where they are but also to be a channel to help them continue through their cycles and grow.
Stages of growth can be grouped into three categories: non-cyclical, cyclical, and felt. This post looks mostly at cyclical stages; sequences of stages that repeat during our lives. Below are two different models of cyclical stages.
CROSS AND RESURRECTION
This is the most basic and biblical model of stages of growth. We follow the same pattern that Jesus did in his life and in his death. This two-fold process is mentioned many times in scripture.
1.Cross. The old self is crucified.
2.Resurrection. The new self dominates more.
We can see that it is biblical, for example: Cross=“putting off” (Eph 4:22), Resurrection=“putting on” (Eph 4:24). Also, in Philippians 3:10 Paul desires:
… that I may know him and the power of his resurrection, and may share his sufferings, becoming like him in his death
Philippians 3:10 (ESV)
THE FIVE-FOLD WAY
This is a modification of the classic three-fold way of stages of growth taught by Christians since the 4th century. It adds grace as the first stage which prevents us from thinking that we purify ourselves. It also adds Christformation since that is central to growth. Thus, this model seeks to be broader and more biblical than the classic three-fold way.
1.Grace. All growth begins with God’s initiative and grace whether we sense it or not. And as believers we begin with a union with Christ.
2.Purgation. God initiates purification and we cooperate, usually with biblical disciplines.
3.Illumination/Filling. God gives our hearts knowledge, understanding, and other graces.
4.Christformation. We are transformed into the image of Christ, he “lives through us”.
5.Union. We become more one with God in Christ, more Christformed. We are able to be united in love with the saints & God. See John 17.
Which stages can you identify in your life? Can you recognize a cycle that you have gone through? What might be a good approach for going through the stage you are in? What stage might be coming next?
Hopefully as you reflect on these stages of growth you will get some insight into what God is doing in you. This may help you to get more in sync with what he is doing and gain more peace.
