How Do I Define Spiritual Development?

My original definition…

Spiritual development is growth pertaining to one’s spiritual identity in evolution from spiritual infancy to adulthood through maturation. In this process, the secular mind decreases as the sacred increases. Spiritual development does not offer a degree at the completion of predetermined requirements but is an ongoing process throughout one’s life. The definition of spiritual development is best explained by how it is achieved.

First, one must recognize that they are in need of positive augmentation in their religious status. Next, one must understand the importance of transformation in their life. Then, one must educate themselves on their beliefs through comprehensive and guided instruction in the testament by which their spirituality is rooted. Finally, one must dedicate themselves to continual commitment to their spiritual growth.

The journey toward spiritual development cannot be achieved without constant prayer (focused petition for enlightenment) and spiritual support (provides additional prayers and experience in their own journey).

My new definition…

Spiritual development is a journey in maturity of an individual’s identity from spiritual infancy to spiritual adulthood. In this process, the secular mind decreases as the sacred increases through a series of disciplines.

These practices can be called the 5 P.R.’s because they promote ‘Personal Reformation’: preparation, prayer, praise, profession and promise. Preparation requires self examination. In this step we are educated on what they believe and why in an attempt to define ourselves spiritually. A great tool in this effort is writing a spiritual autobiography. Throughout spiritual growth, it is important to consistently add to the autobiography. Prayer obligates one to focused conversation with God in petition for direction, thanksgiving and communion. One should engage in deep meditative prayers in solitude as well as short frequent prayers in everyday environments. In developing spiritually, prayer becomes as effortlessly meaningful as breathing. Praise includes singing, worshipping and fellowshipping often with a community of believers. Becoming spiritually mature allows us to praise God in times of trial as well as joy. Profession commands that within our spiritual communities we profess our sins and allow others to gain strength in our struggles while offering support. As we spiritually mature, we learn to also profess our sins to ourselves instead of justifying and denying our faults. Finally promise dictates that we acknowledge that our spiritual development is continual and fluid and we dedicate ourselves to its success.

The process by which we achieve spiritual development is horizontally linear and cannot be ordered. Often times, we practice more than one discipline at a time. The process is best achieved not in how we accomplish it, but that we do.