Spiritual Growth: Always Growing, Always Thriving

Mar 10, 2025
Always in Growth Mode - Dr. Mario Escobedo teaching about spiritual growth with a motivational message on continuous learning and faith development.

 

Spiritual Growth: Always Growing, Always Thriving

Spiritual Growth: Always Growing, Always Thriving

Spiritual growth isn't just about producing fruit—it’s about staying in constant growth mode, no matter the season. Psalm 1:3 tells us that the righteous person’s leaf never withers, meaning growth should always be happening. But there's more. This person doesn’t just wait for things to happen; they cause things to happen. They cause growth. They cause prosperity.

What does that mean for your spiritual life? Let’s dive in.

You can watch or listen to this teaching on my YouTube channel here: Watch Now

Spiritual Growth is a Lifetime Commitment

Many believers desire spiritual growth, but not all understand that it’s a lifelong process. If you love studying the Bible and know there’s still a lifetime of learning ahead, you're in the right place. My mission with Your Bible Study Mentor is to ignite in you a passion for doing in-depth Bible study consistently.

Psalm 1 is a powerful passage about spiritual growth, and in this episode, we focus on verse 3. This verse paints a vivid picture of a thriving believer:

"He is like a tree planted by streams of water that yields its fruit in its season, and its leaf does not wither. In all that he does, he prospers." (Psalm 1:3, ESV)

This verse teaches us two key principles about spiritual growth:

  • Your leaf should never wither – Growth is constant, even when you’re not in a fruit-bearing season.
  • You cause growth and prosperity – Growth is not passive. You don’t wait for it; you make it happen.

It's Always a Season for Growth

One of the most overlooked truths about spiritual growth is that even when you're not producing visible fruit, you should still be growing. Just as a tree goes through different seasons, we also experience different spiritual seasons.

  • Some seasons are for bearing fruit—you see the results of your efforts.
  • Some seasons are for rest and preparation—you may not see outward fruit, but deep spiritual work is happening.

Even when it’s not a fruit-bearing season, it is always a growth season. Trees that appear dormant in winter are still growing beneath the surface. Similarly, God may have you in a season where you're not visibly producing, but He is still growing you.

What Does This Mean for You?

  • Stay engaged in spiritual disciplines even when you don’t see immediate results.
  • Keep studying Scripture daily—it is your spiritual nourishment.
  • Recognize that quiet seasons are not wasted seasons; they are preparation for what’s coming.

Spiritual Growth Requires Action—You Cause Prosperity

Psalm 1:3 ends with a powerful statement:

"In all that he does, he prospers."

In Hebrew, the verb used here is in the Hiphil stem, which communicates causative action. This verse isn’t just saying "he prospers"—it’s saying "he causes prosperity." This distinction is crucial.

Passive vs. Active Growth

  • Passive growth is waiting for circumstances to improve.
  • Active growth is causing things to happen—initiating learning, applying wisdom, and creating opportunities for growth.

How to Cause Growth in Your Life and Others’ Lives

1. Take Daily Steps Toward Growth

Growth doesn’t happen overnight. Aim to grow just 1% each day. Small, consistent steps lead to long-term transformation.

  • Set aside daily time to study the Bible deeply.
  • Meditate on Scripture—don’t just read, but reflect and apply.
  • Challenge yourself to live out what you learn.

2. Be Ready for Opportunities Before They Come

When the opportunity you've been waiting for finally arrives, it's too late to start preparing. Growth happens before the opportunity, not after.

3. Don't Just Grow—Help Others Grow

The most impactful spiritual leaders don’t just grow for themselves—they help others grow too. Your growth should cause prosperity for others as well.

  • Share what you learn with others.
  • Be a mentor to someone who is newer in the faith.
  • Invest in the spiritual growth of your family, church, and community.

Final Thoughts: Stay Planted, Stay Growing

Psalm 1:3 presents a beautiful image of the righteous person—a tree planted, deeply rooted, thriving in all seasons. This is the kind of person I want to be, and I invite you to strive for the same.

  • Recognize that growth should never stop.
  • Take ownership of your growth—don’t wait for things to happen; make them happen.
  • Be a source of growth for others.

Keep growing. Keep preparing. And be the kind of person who causes prosperity, not just for yourself, but for those around you.

Want More Resources for Your Spiritual Growth?

📖 Free Bible Study Training – The Top Three Study Tools Every Student of the Bible Needs

👉 Get it here

📚 Devotional eBook: Planted to Grow – 15 practical lessons for spiritual growth based on Psalm 1

👉 Available on Kindle

🎙️ Subscribe to the Podcast – Your Bible Study Mentor

Let’s commit to a lifetime of spiritual growth—together. Keep studying. Keep growing. Keep seeking God.