My 5 Favorite Books for Spiritual Growth
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Spiritual growth is something that happens constantly in our life if we are seeking to know God. I did not get where I am today quickly. 20 years ago I said a prayer, mostly because did not want to go to Hell. I did not particularly want God to change my life. Yet, still He was okay with letting me get to know Him, slowly. Over the next 6 years I watched and learned. I learned that many Christians have a capacity for love that I did not possess. I learned that there was very little I had to offer to God outside of my whole self. I learned that God is no thief, He will not steal you allegiance nor does He want us to serve Him until we can surrender our whole heart.
As a leader of a women Bible study I read the scripture about the woman washing Christ’s feet with her hair, and was struck by Jesus response. He said, “Who is forgiven much, loves much.”
In that moment I was made aware that, though I had prayed and asked God to save me and forgive my sins, I had not really let Him look inside the package. I began to let God know me. I began to pray about all of the areas in my life that I needed to humble myself and seek forgiveness for. Not because God wishes to shame me, but because He wants to know us intimately. From that moment, forward I have grow deeper my love for God and for His people.
These 5 Books for spiritual growth have helped me build a foundation of truth and depth with the Word of God. I have read thousands of books since those early days but these 5 helped me to replace ideas that I held but did not line up with the word of God. These have helped give me a firm and lasting foundation for living a joy filled life.
If you are new to Christ and are looking for some books to challenge your thinking and grow deeper in truth check these out.
1. Anchored In Christ, by Norm Wakefield
Being deeply anchored in truth is the only way we are able to have a faith that is unshakeable. There is an unfortunate habit in the American Church, to pluck favorite verses without regard to their significance in scripture. Wakefield’s book is a great teaching tool to help you study and read your Bible, searching out the full context of the scripture so that you do not get pulled into false teachings. A foundation built on truth is one that will last your entire Christian walk and the sooner you build it the better.
There are also a chapters on preparing your children for a relationship with Christ and yourself, if after reading you find that you, too, want a deeper or new relationship with God. With notes and questions this would be a great book for a small group or family bible study as well.
I would also highly recommend Equipped to Love, which talks about living in idolatry free relationships. How many relationships are ruined because of wrongly placed expectations and hurts. We often miss connecting with God for the very same reasons, our wrong motivation for relationship. These two books will challenge you to lay a firm foundation for solid Christian faith that will take you through any trial.
2. The Search for Significance, by Robert McGee
How many times have you had your whole way of thinking challenged and found it wrong. As we grow we develop mindsets and beliefs about people, God and ourselves. Not every one of those mindsets are helping us to live successful lives. In fact some of those very mindsets are keeping stuck in a tragic cycle of self doubt and destructive behaviors. God wants you to live free from lies and Search for Significance focuses on what you believe about you. God has a lot to say about you and it may not match up with what your mind keeps telling you. If that is true, if you have trouble knowing in your heart that God loves you deeply, Search might be a great guide to your own heart. I have found it worth going through a second time after 10 years to see if there are still areas that I need to focus in.
There is a journal as well as a student edition. If you want to be deeply rooted in who God says your are Search is a great book to add to your reading list.
3. Boundaries, by Cloud and Townsend
Do you have trouble reconciling your new Christian faith with the demands of the world around you? Are you having trouble drawing the line between walking in love and being walked on? If you are often angry at your self for taking on projects and responsibilities that aren’t yours because you have trouble saying “no”, then Boundaries is the book you should be reading right now.
Boundaries develop as we grow up. If you grew up with unhealthy boundaries it is very likely you are using them in life every day. Poor boundaries destroying your joy. Good boundaries help us to make clear lines between my responsibility and others. I can say yes with joy when I know I am making my own choice. Very different from the years that I made choices out of obligation or worse, fear. Do not live another day unaware that you have a voice and that your choices matter very much to the kingdom of God.
4. 12 “Christian” Beliefs That Can Drive You Crazy
I might be a fan of Dr. Cloud and Townsend because their practical and applicable material and this book is no exception. In it they discuss popular misconceptions we accept as scriptural truths. Most of these beliefs will lead us to hopelessness if we believe they are biblically founded. They address having needs, modifying behavior to conform to the image of Godliness, living with lists of “shoulds” and many more beliefs that sneak into Christians theology. Some of these were beliefs I held and could immediately identify how they were harming my relationships and my growth as a person. This book was a very quick read but a big eye opener for a young Christian. The more unhealthy you upbringing the more I would recommend reading this and discussing these beliefs with a group for insight.
5. Experiencing The Depths of Jesus Christ, by Jeanne Guyon
Though this book was penned nearly 350 years ago the truths are no less relevant today. Madame Guyon’s belief was that every man, woman and child is able to fully experience the fullness that Jesus intended for him. There is nothing keeping you from being able to have a true lasting relationship with our lord that holds to depth of al of the ages. It is available to every one that comes and seeks Him with their whole heart. This book is a peaceful wind pushing you into God’s presence. Madame Guyon is so very gentle. Her words so sincere you can not help but feel her love for Christ as you read. If you are having trouble connecting with God it might be a good idea to stop studying Him and start experiencing Him as you read His words to you. Guyana gives some very practical advice and encouragement in hopes that you might experience God more fully in your life.
These are just 5 of many books God has used to show me areas of growth, but these are only second to His Word of truth. It alone is able to reveal our true heart to ourselves. May His Spirit lead you into deeper truth as you seek to grow in your relationship with God.
Many of these books are available at your local library of for very little if “used” on Amazon. I will always provide links so that you can read reviews and the synapsis and any additional quotes. Thanks, and feel free to share with me any book that helped you see yourself more clearly in the light of Gods Word.
