The Intention To Grow
One of the mysteries of the Christian life is the paradox of grace and effort. The Bible teaches us that salvation is a gift of grace and not from our works. The Bible also teaches us that as we follow Jesus, growth won’t happen by accident but that we have to put in the effort to grow. Paul says it this way in Galatians, “Walk in step with the spirit.” (Gal. 5:25). In the Celebration of Discipline, Richard J. Foster gives us a compelling vision of spiritual formation through intentional engagement. His work centers around four foundational convictions that shape the path to spiritual growth.
First, Foster asserts that spiritual growth is an inward reality with outward consequences. True transformation begins in the heart but is necessarily expressed in daily life. Christian maturity is not moralism or external religiosity but a deep inward change that manifests in love, humility, and obedience.
Second, Foster insists that spiritual disciplines are means, not ends. The disciplines—such as prayer, fasting, and study—do not in themselves produce holiness. Rather, they place the believer before God so that He may do the transforming work. As Foster writes, “The Disciplines allow us to place ourselves before God so that he can transform us.”
Third, the disciplines are for everyone, not just spiritual elites. Foster democratizes spiritual formation, reclaiming ancient practices for ordinary people. He contends that the spiritual life is attainable not through extraordinary experiences but through faithful, consistent practice.
Fourth, spiritual transformation involves effort but not earning. While grace is the foundation of growth, believers must actively cooperate through discipline. This is not self-righteous striving but the training of the soul to walk with God. Foster calls this the “path of disciplined grace,” where effort serves relationship.
Through these four principles, Foster invites believers into a deep, accessible, and grace-saturated journey toward Christlikeness.
Here at Christ Community, we have six life questions that are designed to help us evaluate how we are doing in our growth and what needs to be our next intentional step.
Life Question #1: Is the Spirit flowing through me?
A disciple is…
Character: Dependent upon the Holy Spirit
Competency: Actively trusting and obeying
Demonstrated by:
- I depend on the Holy Spirit, versus my own efforts, to make it through each day.
- I am joyful and at peace, despite my circumstances.
- I act and decide with wisdom, rather than impulsively and out of my own desires.
- All areas of my life are surrendered to the Lordship of Jesus Christ, to do with them as He chooses (friends, career, job, health, loved ones, entertainment, recreation, etc.).
Primary Biblical references:
- John 7:37-39 – “… Jesus stood up and shouted out, “If anyone is thirsty, let him come to me, and let the one who believes in me drink. Just as the scripture says, ‘From within him will flow rivers of living water.’” (Now he said this about the Spirit…)
- Ephesians 5:18 – “And do not get drunk with wine, which is debauchery, but be filled by the Spirit,
- Galatians 5:16 – “But I say, live by the Spirit and you will not carry out the desires of the flesh.
Life Question #2: Did God make my day?
A disciple is…
Character: Biblically saturated and prayerfully minded
Competency: Biblically literate and prays without ceasing
Demonstrated by:
- I regularly consult with God before entering my day/week/month/year.
- I confer with God and allow Him to interrupt my plans.
- I regularly seek guidance from God through the Scriptures.
- I am usually in a listening posture with God.
- I humbly obey the voice of God and seek His answer through prayer.
Primary Biblical references:
- Mark 1:35 – “Then Jesus got up early in the morning when it was still very dark, departed, and went out to a deserted place, and there he spent time in prayer.
- John 15:7 – “If you remain in me and my words remain in you, ask whatever you want, and it will be done for you.
Life Question #3: Who shares my tough stuff?
A disciple is…
Character: Intentionally relational
Competency: Involved in community
Demonstrated by:
- My closest friends challenge and encourage me to follow Jesus more passionately.
- My closest Christian friends say that I challenge and encourage them to live for Christ.
- I do not keep my darker secrets from Christian friends closest to me.
- My family would say that I am a growing Christian.
- I have someone to call at 2 am.
- I am actively engaged in Christian community.
- I have people I live life-on-life with.
Primary Biblical references:
- Hebrews 10:24-25 – “And let us take thought of how to spur one another on to love and good works…
- James 5:16 – “So confess your sins to oneanother and pray for one another so that you may be healed. The prayer of a righteous person has great effectiveness.
- Romans 12:10 – “Be devoted to oneanother with mutual love, showing eagerness in honoring one another.
Life Question #4: Who am I fishing with?
A disciple is someone who…
Character: Helps others follow Jesus
Competency: Reproduces disciples
Demonstrated by:
- I am intentionally ‘pouring’ Christ into others.
- I bring others with me as I follow Christ.
- I am actively engaged in making disciples.
- I ask others to help me serve Christ.
- I train others to serve in the way I serve.
- My family benefits from what I’m learning.
Primary Biblical references:
- Matthew 4:19 – “He said to them, “Follow me, and I will turn you into fishers of people.
- 2 Timothy 2:2 – “And what you have heard from me in the presence of many witnesses entrust to faithful men who will be able to teach others also.
Life Question #5: How worn is my welcome mat?
A disciple is…
Character: Compassion for the lost
Competency: Gospel-fluent
Demonstrated by:
- People in the community know that I am a strong Christian.
- I take regular initiative to meet or serve unchurched people.
- I regularly have spiritual conversation with individuals who don’t share my spiritual beliefs.
- I can confidently explain the Gospel to someone.
- I look for ways to share the Gospel.
Primary Biblical references:
- Luke 19:10 – “For the Son of Man came to seek and to save the lost.”
- Further Biblical Support: 2 Corinthians 5:20; John 1:35-46; Matthew 5:13-16; Luke 19:1-10; Romans 10:14; Matthew 28:18-20
Life Question #6: How are my investments doing?
A disciple is someone who…
Character: Focuses on eternity
Competency: Freely gives
Demonstrated by:
- I invest my time, talent, treasures for His purposes and Kingdom.
- I serve in Christ Community Church.
- I serve Christ in my community.
- I serve Christ in the world.
- I give generously.
Primary Biblical references:
- Ephesians 5:15-16 – “Therefore be very careful how you live—not as unwise but as wise, taking advantage of every opportunity, because the days are evil.
- Matthew 25:23 – “His master answered, ‘Well done, good and faithful servant! You have been faithful with a few things. I will put you in charge of many things. Enter into the joy of your master.’
- Matthew 6:21 – “For where your treasure is, there your heart will be also.