Open the Door – Signs of Spiritual Growth

In a world that is increasingly divisive and angry with its neighbours, it is essential to turn back to something higher, something unchanging, so we can regain our bearings and strive to move forward in a healthier direction.

When moving forward in new ways or pursuing spiritual growth, it’s helpful to consider what progress looks like and to have ideas prepared for comparison. Here are some points to reflect on regarding where the Lord may want to lead you in healthier directions and what He is leading you away from. This applies equally to something as relevant as politics or to things within the church.

How to recognise what the path of spiritual growth looks like:

A Broadening Perspective (Wider View, Less Exclusive):

Spiritual growth involves a deeper understanding and love for others, enabling us to see from a higher, more inclusive perspective. In the Bible, this is captured in Jesus’s command to love our neighbour as ourselves (Matthew 22:39). The Teachings for the New Church explain that as our understanding is enlightened by genuine truths, we recognise the common humanity and spiritual potential in all people, rather than holding to narrow or exclusive ways of thinking. This is described as an expansion of the mind, moving from personal concerns to a more universal love (Heaven and Hell 268, Divine Love and Wisdom 47).

A More Flexible Approach (Adaptable, Less Controlling, Less Fixed):

True spiritual growth brings humility and a willingness to be led by the Lord, rather than insisting on our way. This is seen in the idea of becoming “like little children”—trusting, open, and adaptable (Matthew 18:3-4). The Teachings for the New Church emphasise that spiritual people are guided more by principles of good and truth than by rigid rules or self-will. This flexibility comes from trusting in Divine guidance and recognising our limitations (Divine Providence 321).

An Acceptance of Difference (Less Defensive; Trust in the Lord, Less Anxious/Stressed):

When we truly trust in the Lord’s providence, we are less threatened by differences and more accepting of others’ journeys. Defensive reactions and anxiety decrease as our inner state is grounded in faith and love. The Bible says, “do not worry about your life, what you will eat or what you will drink; nor about your body, what you will put on. Is not life more than food and the body more than clothing” (Matthew 6:25). The Teachings for the New Church explain that as spirituality grows, fears and anxieties lessen because we trust the Lord governs all things for good (Arcana Coelestia 8478, Divine Providence 157).

What has to be removed for Spiritual Growth:

Let’s now examine the opposites of spiritual growth: a self-centred starting point for all of us.

Narrow Perspective (Exclusive, Self-Centred View):

Instead of a broad, inclusive outlook, selfishness narrows our view. The selfish proprium in us judges based on personal interests, often focusing only on our circle, race, religion, or nation, excluding others not like ourselves. This is seen in the biblical example of the Pharisees, who prided themselves on exclusivity and scorned those they considered “outside” (Luke 18:11). The Teachings for the New Church note that when the self dominates, love for self and the world blinds us to the reality of others’ humanity (Heaven and Hell 562, Arcana Coelestia 3413).

Rigid, Controlling Approach (Unyielding, Needing to Dominate):

The selfish approach seeks to impose one’s will, resists flexibility, and becomes anxious about losing control. Instead of being led by higher principles or divine guidance, the focus is on maintaining power and asserting opinions. The Lord warns against this when speaking of the scribes and Pharisees who “bind heavy burdens and lay them on men’s shoulders,” unwilling to change or listen (Matthew 23:4). The Teachings for the New Church, (the Writings), describe this as the “proprium” or selfhood that clings stubbornly to its ideas (Divine Providence 317, Arcana Coelestia 987).

Defensive and Anxious (Rejecting Differences, Lacking Trust in the Lord):

Selfishness leads to defensiveness, fear, and resentment of differences. Rather than trusting the Lord’s providence, the selfish proprium becomes anxious, sees others as threats or competitors, and defends its position aggressively. The parable of the unforgiving servant (Matthew 18:23-35) illustrates this attitude: he cannot accept or forgive others. The Writings explain that we are governed by fears and the desire to control outcomes, not by faith in the Lord (New Jerusalem and its Heavenly Doctrine 124).

These are the very qualities spiritual growth seeks to leave behind, as the Lord leads us toward greater love, humility, and peace (Matthew 5:43-48).

To recognise spiritual growth in yourself, look for a widening, more loving perspective; an increased humility and adaptability; and a peaceful acceptance of differences rooted in trust in the Lord. These characteristics are outward signs of an inner transformation, where love for the Lord and the neighbour takes precedence over self and the world (True Christian Religion 399).