“Of all sights in the church of Christ, I know none more painful to my own eyes than a Christian contented and satisfied with a little grace, a little repentance, a little faith, a little knowledge, a little charity, and a little holiness. I do beseech and entreat every believing soul that reads this tract not to be that kind of man. If you have any desires after usefulness – if you have any wishes to promote your Lord’s glory – if you have any longings after much inward peace – be not content with a little religion. Let us rather seek, every year we live, to make more spiritual progress than we have done – to grow in grace, and in the knowledge of the Lord Jesus – to grow in humility and self-acquaintance – to grow in spirituality and heavenly-mindedness – to grow in conformity to the image of our Lord.” -J.C. Ryle

Ryle’s stirring words are a sobering challenge to any believer who has grown comfortable with a faith that merely skims the surface of God’s immeasurable riches. His admonition resonates with the call of Scripture: that the Christian life is not a static state but a dynamic journey toward Christlikeness. If we truly belong to the Lord Jesus, contentment with “a little grace” should never satisfy us. Instead, let us press forward, as Paul urges, “forgetting what is behind and straining toward what is ahead” (Philippians 3:13, BSB).

The Christian life is designed for growth. Peter exhorts us, “But grow in the grace and knowledge of our Lord and Savior Jesus Christ. To Him be the glory both now and to the day of eternity” (2 Peter 3:18, BSB). This verse is both an invitation and a command. It reveals that spiritual growth is not optional but an essential part of our walk with God. To settle for “a little” is to rob ourselves of the fullness of joy and purpose that God intends for His children.

Why Should We Seek to Grow?

For the Glory of Christ
When we grow in grace, the beauty and power of Christ are displayed in our lives. Jesus said, “By this My Father is glorified, that you bear much fruit, proving yourselves to be My disciples” (John 15:8, BSB). A flourishing faith reflects the transformative work of the Spirit, drawing others to the Savior.

For Our Own Spiritual Joy
The more we grow in our relationship with Christ, the more deeply we experience the peace that surpasses understanding and the joy that defies circumstances. David sang, “You make known to me the path of life; in Your presence is fullness of joy; at Your right hand are pleasures forevermore” (Psalm 16:11, BSB).

For the Sake of Others
A shallow faith struggles to comfort the hurting, disciple the young in faith, or answer the skeptic. However, as we grow in grace and knowledge, we are equipped to fulfill the command to “encourage one another and build one another up” (1 Thessalonians 5:11, BSB).

What Does Growth Look Like?

True spiritual growth begins with humility. Ryle’s exhortation to “grow in humility and self-acquaintance” aligns with James 4:10: “Humble yourselves before the Lord, and He will exalt you.” Growth is not about self-exaltation or comparing ourselves to others but about becoming more like Jesus, who “humbled Himself and became obedient to death—even death on a cross” (Philippians 2:8, BSB).

Growth also means increasing in love. Paul prayed for the Thessalonian believers that their love “may abound more and more, with knowledge and all discernment” (Philippians 1:9, BSB). Love for God and love for others are the truest marks of spiritual maturity.

Finally, growth involves greater conformity to Christ’s character. As we “behold as in a mirror the glory of the Lord,” we are “being transformed into His image with intensifying glory” (2 Corinthians 3:18, BSB). This transformation touches every area of our lives—our thoughts, desires, and actions.

Practical Steps Toward Growth

Feed on the Word
The Scriptures are our primary means of spiritual nourishment. Like newborn infants, we are to “crave pure spiritual milk, so that by it you may grow up in your salvation” (1 Peter 2:2, BSB). A consistent, prayerful engagement with God’s Word deepens our understanding of His will and equips us for every good work.

Commit to Prayer
Prayer is the breath of the soul. Through it, we draw near to God, confess our sins, and seek His power to live a holy life. Paul reminds us to “pray without ceasing” (1 Thessalonians 5:17, BSB), making prayer an indispensable part of our growth.

Engage in Fellowship
Growth happens in the context of community. As iron sharpens iron, believers sharpen one another through encouragement, accountability, and love. “And let us consider how to spur one another on to love and good deeds, not neglecting to meet together” (Hebrews 10:24-25, BSB).

Pursue Holiness
The call to holiness is a call to greater intimacy with God. “But just as He who called you is holy, so be holy in all you do” (1 Peter 1:15, BSB). Growth in holiness is a sign of a life deeply rooted in Christ.

A Higher Aim

Let us take to heart Ryle’s plea to never settle for “a little religion.” May we echo the psalmist’s cry, “As the deer pants for streams of water, so my soul longs for You, O God” (Psalm 42:1, BSB). The life of faith is a call to abundant living, to press ever closer to the One who is the source of all grace and truth.

Dear reader, do not rest content with a shallow faith. Seek to grow, year by year, into the fullness of Christ. For His glory, for your joy, and for the blessing of others, let us press on toward the prize of our high calling in Him.

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