Why are some men growing in their faith, while others are stuck?

A friend leading a small group through one of my books noticed something fascinating.

The men who read the assigned chapter before each meeting were changing. They came prepared, participated in discussions, and applied what they were learning. They were becoming more joyful, peaceful, and confident.

But the men who didn’t prepare were stuck. They attended, listened, nodded, and even took notes. Eventually, they began asking, “Why isn’t my life changing like theirs?”

The answer is surprisingly simple.

Spiritual growth is possible, but it isn’t automatic.

The difference wasn’t what they heard. It was what they did with what they heard. Hebrews 5 describes believers who had become “slow to learn.” They hadn’t stopped believing. They had simply stopped growing.

After 40 years of mentoring men, I’ve noticed six habits that consistently show up in men who keep growing spiritually.

They spend time alone with God. They regularly read Scripture and pray, not to check a box, but to deepen their relationship with their Father.

They pray with their wives, if married. Sometimes just a minute or two. But inviting God into a marriage changes a marriage.

They belong to a small group. They refuse to go it alone. They encourage, challenge, and pray for one another.

They actively participate in a local church. Church isn’t merely something they attend. It’s their spiritual family.

They practice generosity. Giving loosens the grip of possessions and deepens their trust in God.

They serve the Lord. They discover lasting significance by giving their lives away in service to God and others.

Here’s something I hope you already understand: These habits don’t earn God’s love. Through Jesus, you already have all the love and acceptance you’ll ever need.

Instead, they position you to experience more of God’s presence and power, so He can continue shaping you into the man He created you to be.

Which leads to this week’s BIG IDEA:

God loves you the way you are, but too much to want you to stay that way.

The men in that small group discovered something important: Growth requires participation. Like physical exercise, the benefits of these habits aren’t always obvious today. But practiced consistently, over time they become unmistakable.

God uses these ordinary habits to gradually shape us into the men He had in mind when He created us.

Which of these six habits could you strengthen this week? Choose one. Start there. And see what God does.

Always on your side,

Pat

For Reflection and Discussion

• Heart (Reflect): Which of these habits has already helped you grow in your faith?
• Head (Understand): Why is spiritual growth intentional rather than automatic?
• Hands (Apply): Which one of these six habits will you strengthen this week, and what’s your first step?

Who would thank you for forwarding this to them?

Want to go deeper? Read Chapter 6 of A Reason to Get Out of Bed or watch the complete Man Alive Bible Study that inspired today’s Weekly Wisdom on YouTube. You can also listen to it on Apple Podcasts, Spotify, or Amazon Music.