Introduction: The Elusive Nature of Growth

Many of us desire to grow spiritually, but it can be difficult to know if we’re actually making progress. We often ask ourselves, “How can I tell if my faith is truly deepening?” We look for clear-cut evidence, but the journey of faith is rarely so straightforward.

The answer might be found in looking for signs that are less about outward appearances and more about our inner posture. Real growth often happens quietly, changing us from the inside out. Here are four surprising but powerful indicators of genuine spiritual growth, based on timeless wisdom found in Colossians 2 verses 6 and 7.

The Four Markers of a Deepening Faith

1. It’s Not About Trying Harder, It’s About Staying Connected

The first sign of spiritual growth is the profound realization that our success is entirely dependent on our connection to a divine source. The spiritually mature person understands that they cannot finish the race alone; they need to stay connected to Jesus.

This is best understood through the agricultural metaphor of being “rooted.” Just as a plant’s roots provide sustenance for growth, strength against the elements, and stability in the soil, our rootedness in Christ is the source of our spiritual nourishment, resilience, and unwavering position in a turbulent world. The deeper the root, the more nourishment we receive and the more we are able to withstand the harsh “winds of life” and avoid being deceived by every “wind of doctrine.”

This shift from self-reliance to a deep understanding of dependency is a hallmark of maturity. It’s an admission that we are branches, not the vine. How much of your energy is spent trying to produce fruit, versus simply staying connected to the Source?

Jesus said it best in John 15, He said I am the vine and we are the branches, those who remain in me and I in them will produce much fruit. For apart from me you can do nothing.”

2. To Build Higher, You Must First Dig Deeper

Once we are rooted in Christ, the journey of growth continues by being built upon Him. The second sign of growth uses an architectural metaphor: while being “rooted” is a past action that grounds us, being “built up” is a present, ongoing process. A stable spiritual life requires a solid foundation in Jesus.

Here lies a counter-intuitive insight: “the higher the structure the deeper the foundation has to be.” If we expect to grow spiritually, our foundation in Jesus must be deep.

In a world focused on rapid, visible progress, this principle is a powerful reminder. True spiritual maturity requires us to invest time in foundational work that isn’t always seen. This prompts a crucial question: Are we more focused on constructing the visible walls of our life or on digging the unseen foundation that will sustain them?

3. Faith Isn’t a Static Belief, It’s an Active Walk

A life built on this solid foundation is not meant to be a stationary monument; it is meant for movement—a continuous, active walk of faith. A third marker of growth is understanding that faith is not something we simply received in the past, but an active “walk” we live out in the present. We receive Christ in faith, and we must continue to follow Him in faith.

This walk creates a powerful feedback loop: We hear God’s promises in His word, we actively believe them, God honors His word in our lives, and witnessing His faithfulness causes our faith to grow exponentially. As the Bible declares, “FAITH COMES BY HEARING AND HEARING BY THE WORD OF GOD.”

The true test of this growing faith is the ability to not just endure, but to actively “continue to stand” and “fight the good fight of faith” in the midst of life’s uncertainties. When faced with disappointment, does your faith cause you to retreat, or does it empower you to stand your ground?

“my hope is built on nothing less than Jesus blood and righteousness I dare not trust the sweetest frame but wholly lean on Jesus name, on Christ the Solid rock I stand all other ground is sinking sand.”

4. The Ultimate Litmus Test: An Overflow of Gratitude

And what is the most undeniable evidence of this steadfast walk? An overflowing heart of gratitude that is not dependent on the smoothness of the path. The fourth and final sign is the ultimate “litmus test” of spiritual growth: “abounding in thankfulness.”

This is the evidence of a truly mature faith. It isn’t just being thankful when things are good, but the ability to be thankful in all circumstances, even in a place of uncertainty. It is the capacity to praise God in advance—to be thankful even when you “haven’t been delivered yet,” “haven’t been set free yet,” or “haven’t been healed yet.”

This profound gratitude reveals a joy rooted not in circumstances, but in the unshakeable confidence that “weeping endures for a night but joy will come in the morning.” It demonstrates a deep-seated trust that God is faithful, no matter what. Is your thankfulness a reaction to your blessings, or is it a declaration of your trust in the one who blesses?

Eugene Peterson says our “living should spill over into thanksgiving.”

Conclusion: Where Do You Go from Here?

Spiritual growth may not always feel like a straight line up, but its signs are clear when you know where to look. It’s found in a deep connection that replaces self-reliance, a solid foundation built for the long haul, an active faith that walks through uncertainty, and a heart that overflows with thankfulness in every season.

As you reflect on these four markers, which one is inviting you to go deeper today?