Spiritual development is the process of deepening one's faith while expanding awareness of our true selves beyond ego and habits. Spiritual growth requires abandoning negative and limiting thoughts, beliefs and attitudes while discovering our true selves and awakening feelings of happiness and blissfulness within ourselves.
Spiritual growth is a gradual, yet demanding journey that takes place within community and relationship. It involves learning from others while helping those around us; accepting failure as part of life; studying the truths of Scripture more thoroughly (2 Timothy 3:16-17); spending more time praying for others while experiencing suffering (Romans 8:13); all fuelled by prayer from friends as well as suffering or weakness experienced (Romans 8:13). Spiritual development occurs as disciples follow the Spirit's leading in their lives (1 Peter 2:14) - though its path differs for each disciple - spiritual development occurs according to what works for each disciple based on where each disciple finds them personally - although none two disciples experience exactly the same growth.
One way to gauge spiritual progress is by evaluating the fruits of the Spirit: love, joy, peace, longsuffering, goodness, gentleness and faith - in your life. Compassion, mercy and humility levels may also provide useful measurements. Finally, taking into account how well conflicts in your relationships are being managed as well as whether or not linear depictions and numerical indicators lead to pass/fail mentalities which demotivate future growth through oversimplifying complex spiritual journeys can also provide important clues.
