Happy 2023, friends,

A core tenet of Renovaré is that spiritual growth is possible.

Not only that it’s possible, but also that it isn’t a black box. We don’t grow on ​“a hope and a prayer,” but through specific hope and specific prayer. There are habits modeled by Jesus that predictably lead to love and joy and peace (by grace, and in the long run).

In some areas like learning a language, playing tennis, and eating better, there are easy measurements of progress. Can I say that phrase? Am I winning more matches? Is my cholesterol down?

But in the spiritual life, when we talk about measuring progress, all sorts of red flags go up. And rightly so.

On the most recent episode of Friends in Formation, a listener asked, ​“Is it possible to measure spiritual growth?”

Nathan Foster answered with a chuckle, ​“Yes, but don’t.”

Why not?

For starters, it’s not a lab report. Spiritual measurement tools simply aren’t that precise. It’d be weird if they were. My patience today was a 1.7… gotta get that up where it should be.

Another reason to be cautious about measuring spiritual growth is that people who desire to grow are likely to see their own shortcomings. Self-analysis then becomes an exercise in discouragement.

Healthy self-awareness is good, but constantly taking one’s own spiritual temperature is a trap. Before we know it, instead of practicing the presence of Jesus, we’re practicing the presence of the Old Dead Self.

Been there. It doesn’t work.

Constant self-analysis leads to spiritual withering not growth.

So how do we know if we’re making progress?

The problem isn’t necessarily with assessing our spiritual life; it’s a matter of how, how often, and with whom we’re doing the assessment.

Reflecting at the end of the day, week, month, or year, rather than real-time, using a model such as the Examen from St. Ignatius Loyola may be helpful.

This prayer begins with thankfulness for whose you are and what you have. Provision, not lack, is the starting place. From that place God’s light can illuminate shadow areas with a glow of kindness that motivates change.

Journaling can likewise bring helpful perspective. Patterns emerge over time; we give thanks or ask for more grace.

Friends, too, can help you see yourself accurately — whether that’s a spiritual director or simply a loving friend who knows and loves you well enough to tell you the truth even when it’s hard to hear. (And sometimes what’s hard to hear is that they see Christ in you.)

When John Wesley was asked what he wanted to do with the people he preached to, what the desired effect of his message was, he responded…

“I would make them virtuous and happy,
easy in themselves,
and useful to others…
[able to] enjoy God and themselves,
to make them like God,
lovers of all…

In the end, this is how the spiritual life is measured… Do I love and enjoy God? Am I easy in myself? Have I learned to love others?

Holy Spirit, grant us your light to answer these questions… in your company and at the right time.