11/27/2025
BEYOND SPEAKING IN TONGUES ||APOSTLE DONATUS IORUSE
No growth is automatic except biological growth. Every other form of growth requires intentional effort. Our spiritual growth demands deliberate actions through systematic Bible study and a consistent prayer life.
These two are the fundamental building blocks of our spiritual development. Many believers think that once they can speak in tongues, they have reached the peak of their spiritual life. But that’s just the starting point. Even those in the occult speak in tongues. I say this to challenge us not to be satisfied with that initial experience.
Indeed, the first evidence of the Holy Ghost baptism is speaking in tongues, but if after three years of receiving the Holy Ghost there is no evidence of the fruit of the Spirit or manifestation of spiritual gifts, it calls for concern.
Balanced spiritual growth is reflected in both the fruit of the Spirit and the gifts of the Spirit in a believer’s life (Galatians 5:22–23; 1 Corinthians 12:7–11). We need to examine ourselves: Am I growing spiritually? Is my life bearing the fruit of the Spirit? Am I profitable to the body of Christ through the manifestation of spiritual gifts?
If, after six or seven years as a 'Spirit-filled' Christian, I still get angry easily, keep malice, find it hard to forgive, and my pastor cannot trust me with money—or the parents of those I teach in Sunday school cannot trust me with their daughters—it is a clear sign of stunted spiritual growth, and I need help urgently.
How far with you, dearly beloved? Can you examine your Christian life from the time you gave your life to Christ until now? Have you cleansed yourself from all filthiness of the flesh and spirit, perfecting holiness in the fear of God? (2 Corinthians 7:1) That is one vital aspect of our spiritual growth.
Is there any gift of the Spirit that makes you profitable to the body of Christ—or do you just go to church to receive without giving out? This is not to condemn you, but to awaken your consciousness to the fact that there is more for you in God, and you must be willing to lay hold on that which has been freely given to us.
Oh, that we may press deeper and grow stronger until Christ is fully formed in us (Galatians 4:19). That our lives may reflect His nature in purity, love, and power. And that through us, the world may truly see Jesus.