Continuous Growth in the Spiritual Life
His Holiness Pope Shenouda III speaks about a fundamental principle in the spiritual life, which is that the believer must remain in a state of continuous growth that never stops. The true spiritual life is like the seed that gradually grows until it bears fruit, and like the tree that continually increases in growth.
His Holiness Pope Shenouda III explains that stopping spiritual growth exposes a person to lukewarmness, weakness, and moving backward, because life with God is a continual journey toward perfection. Therefore, it is not enough for a person to repent, know God, or begin a spiritual life, but he must advance day after day in knowledge, love, prayer, and virtue.
He also emphasizes that spiritual growth includes all aspects of life. It is not limited to intellectual knowledge alone, but must be accompanied by growth in practical application and spiritual conduct. Knowledge without a balanced spiritual life does not achieve the divine purpose.
He explains that faith itself requires continuous growth, as do love, prayer, and service. The believer is called to continual progress in his relationship with God, always asking for God’s help so that his faith, love, and spiritual depth may increase.
He also points out that the early Church was an example of continuous growth, as the Word of God spread and the number of believers and churches continually increased, showing that growth includes the individual, the Church, and the ministry together.
He confirms that true growth is comprehensive and balanced growth that combines spiritual knowledge, love, faith, prayer, service, and virtue, without one aspect overshadowing another.
He also highlights the importance of humility in spiritual life, because the humble person always feels that he has not yet arrived, and therefore continues striving and advancing, whereas the one who thinks he has reached perfection stops growing.
The lecture concludes by emphasizing that the spiritual path is long, and what is required of a person is to continue walking and advancing toward God no matter how small the steps may be, because the blessing lies in steadfastness and continuous growth until the end of life.
General Message
The Orthodox spiritual life is a continuous journey toward God and perfection, based on constant growth in faith, love, prayer, and virtue, together with humility, continual struggle, and never being satisfied with what has already been achieved.
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