What St. Paul fears is Christians losing their spiritual edge by following rituals.  One key to  growing spiritually is to not let moments of inspiration pass you by without acting upon them.  Spirit-filled Christians should always follow the leading of the Spirit, not external rules of conduct.  When you are inspired to give, give.  When you are inspired to write, write.  When you are inspired to hold a meeting, hold a meeting.  If you do this you will grow.  If you don't, the moments of inspiration will lessen and be less intense.  This is one way love dies, no inspiration, letting moments of inspiration pass you by.

            Another key to spiritual growth is the forward look.  Jesus tells us that no man who put his hand to the plow, looking back, is not fit for the kingdom of God (Lk9:62).  Lot's wife and the Israelite in the desert are two good examples.  That which is not of faith is sin.  In order to grow spiritually we can not waver between what we had before Christ and what trials and tests God is allowing to take place now.  A double minded man is unstable in all his ways, let not that man think he shall receive anything from the Lord (Jm7:8).  We have to be single minded.  We can not tolerate waffling between what is worldly and what is spiritual, either in ourselves or others, especially those who see themselves called to preach, teach, and heal.

            A third key is cultivating the gift of looking.  Judge not lest ye be judged (Mt7:1).  To learn to look at ourselves and others without analyzing, criticizing, dissecting, and elevating or demeaning is another key to spiritual growth.  If we do not learn how to look, we will remain blind.  We will not grow if we condemn or inflate ourselves or others. There is therefore no condemnation to those who are in Christ (Rm8:1).  We must suspend judgment in order to receive revelation.  Jesus says he does not judge but if he does he is not alone, the Father is with him (Jn8:15-16). Unless you learn how to discern spirits, you will not grow.

            Finally spend time with nature.  Jesus often went to the mountains to pray or went off to be alone with God.  We are human creatures who like the beasts of the field need to be with nature.  Artificial stimulation like television, computers, movies, and the internet may be sources of information and diversion but will do little to enhance spiritual growth.  If we have spent time in the word of God, if we have spent time in saying our prayers, if we have heard the gospel message, then when you spend time with nature, in silence and meditation, fruit will be born.  God can easily enter a soul that is still.    Be still and know that I am God. (Ps46:10)  

 
Amen