“The path of life leads upward for the wise, so that he may keep away from Sheol below.” (Prov 15:24)

Have you ever climbed a hill or a mountain? At the bottom, everything looks small and simple. But, as you climb higher, you can see farther and understand more of what is around you. Growing as a Christian is a little like climbing a mountain. God wants us to keep moving upward, learning more about Him, and becoming more like Him.

Think about how people grow in life. A baby learns to crawl, then walk, and later, run. A child grows into a teenager, and then into an adult. In the same way, God wants us to grow in our faith. When we first believe in Jesus, we are at the beginning of our journey. God lovingly helps us grow stronger and wiser over time.

Paul once told us to, “Imitate me, as I imitate Christ.”, to live the way Jesus lived. Each day is another step upward as we learn to follow Him better.

How do we climb higher in our faith?

First, we grow in wisdom by listening to God’s Word. This happens when we read the Bible, listen carefully during church services, and pray sincerely to God. The more we learn about Him, the better we understand how He wants us to live.

Second, we grow in spiritual power. This power comes from the Holy Spirit, whom God gives to help us do what is right, especially when it is hard.

Third, we grow in virtue, which means choosing to do good and please God. When we tell the truth, care for others, and repent when we are in the wrong, we are taking steps higher.

Jesus taught many wonderful lessons in the Sermon on the Mount (Matt 5–7). He spoke clearly about true faith being more than only saying we believe—it is living in a way that is God-fearing and full of love.

Like the hymn Higher Ground reminds, we can ask God to lift us higher each day, one more step closer to Him.

Family Altar

Use these discussion questions and our prayer as a guide for your family altar.

Parents can lead the prayer and invite their children to repeat after them or encourage their children to take the lead, making family altar time a shared journey of faith.

Discussion Questions:

• What are some ways you can grow closer to God each day?

• Why do you think God wants us to keep growing in our faith?

• What is one “step upward” you can take this week?

Prayer in Words:

In the name of our Lord Jesus Christ, we pray.

Thank You for loving us and helping us grow.

Please teach us Your Word so we can become wiser each day.

Help us listen to the Holy Spirit and choose what is right.

Step by step, lift our lives higher so we can become more like You.

Hallelujah, Amen.