How to Know if You’re Growing Spiritually or Just Going Through Religious Motions Updated for 2025

How to Know if You’re Growing Spiritually or Just Going Through Religious Motions [Updated for 2025] Many Christians wonder if they’re truly growing spiritually or just going through religious motions. Surface habits can look right, but real spiritual growth leads to lasting change and a deeper relationship with God. Recognizing this difference shapes your faith and keeps it from becoming routine or empty.

Spiritual growth brings renewed purpose, joy, and strength—even during tough times. Learning how to spot growth and avoid empty rituals helps you nurture an authentic walk with God, rooted in truth and transformation.

Defining Spiritual Growth Versus Religious Motions

Many Christians want to know if they're growing spiritually or going through religious motions. Distinguishing between these two is essential for anyone seeking an authentic, meaningful walk with God. Understanding what sets true spiritual growth apart from mere habits sets the stage for real transformation.

What Does Growing Spiritually Mean?

Growing spiritually means developing a deeper, more personal relationship with God. It’s marked by inward change, not just outward habits. You begin to notice your thoughts, attitudes, and actions aligning more closely with the character of Christ. This isn't about checking boxes—it's about your heart, your motives, and your willingness to let God shape every part of your life.

Signs of genuine spiritual growth include:

• Increased love and patience: You’re quicker to forgive and slower to judge.

• Greater sense of purpose: You see meaning in your daily choices and hardships.

• Ongoing repentance and humility: You’re honest about failings and open to correction.

• Passion for God’s Word: Reading Scripture moves from duty to delight.

• Consistent, heartfelt prayer: Your prayers become more honest and focused on God, not just your needs or wants.

Spiritual growth usually shows up in how you respond to challenges. When tough seasons lead you to trust God more, that's a real sign of maturing faith. If you’d like to explore ways to stay encouraged during dry seasons, see this practical advice on how to keep going when you feel stuck.

What Are Religious Motions?

Going through religious motions means practicing faith without real transformation. It’s following routines—attending church, saying prayers, reading the Bible—but your heart isn’t in it. These actions aren’t bad in themselves, but when done out of obligation or habit, they become empty.

Common traits of religious motions include:

• Routine without meaning: You show up, but you’re disengaged.

• Lack of change: Old habits and attitudes stick around, no matter how many religious activities you do.

• Fear of judgment: You do things to please others or avoid criticism, not because you desire God.

• Surface-level involvement: You know the right answers but feel spiritually dry.

• Checklist mentality: Faith feels like another task to complete, not a relationship to enjoy.

Living this way can leave you feeling empty or disconnected from God, even though you’re “doing all the right things.” If you want to discover ways to move from routine to relationship, the article on rediscovering joy in your walk with God offers helpful next steps.

Understanding the difference between growing spiritually or going through religious motions helps clarify where you are and what needs to change. This foundation supports everything else as you seek real growth and deeper faith.

Signs You Are Growing Spiritually

Recognizing the difference between growing spiritually or going through religious motions can be challenging, especially when routines feel familiar. True growth reveals itself not in grand gestures, but in steady, often quiet change. When spiritual growth takes root, your faith doesn’t just inform what you do—it transforms who you are. Let’s look at a few practical signs to help you notice when real transformation is happening in your heart and life.

Deepening Relationship With God

A clear sign of spiritual growth is moving from routine faith practices to a real, close connection with God. Prayer feels less like a script and more like a conversation. You find yourself sharing your hopes, doubts, and honest struggles with God. The Bible becomes a source of guidance and comfort, not just an item on your checklist.

Here are some indicators you’re building a deeper relationship with God:

• You sense God’s presence—not just at church, but in daily life.

• You look forward to spending time in prayer and Scripture.

• Your faith gives you strength in hard times, rather than just in easy moments.

• You approach God with honesty, instead of only offering polished prayers.

As you consistently pursue God, you may notice a growing hunger for genuine time with Him. If you want to foster this connection, check out this guide on practices that support spiritual growth.

Evidence of Inner Change

Growth isn’t just about what others see. The real test is the change happening inside you. Spiritual maturity shows up in your thoughts and reactions before it’s visible anywhere else.

Look for these signs of inward transformation:

• You catch yourself responding with kindness, even when it’s hard.

• Patterns of sin start to loosen their grip as God reshapes your heart.

• Conviction leads to humble repentance, not shame or blame.

• Your priorities shift—pleasing God matters more than impressing people.

• Peace and purpose replace anxiety and restlessness, even if life is still messy.

Paul describes these as the “fruits of the Spirit” in Galatians 5:22-23: love, joy, peace, patience, kindness, goodness, faithfulness, gentleness, and self-control. These aren’t instant changes, but small, steady steps. Wondering if your growth matches other Christians’? Learn from this breakdown of signs of spiritual growth in everyday life.

Growing in Love, Patience, and Humility

One of the best markers of spiritual growth is how you treat people—especially those who test your patience. Growth in faith naturally produces love, gentleness, and humility. This doesn’t mean you’re perfect, but you start noticing progress.

Practical signs include:

• Forgiving more easily and letting go of grudges.

• Listening without rushing to judge or give advice.

• Treating others with respect, regardless of their status.

• Admitting mistakes and seeking reconciliation.

• Trusting God more and worrying less about having all the answers.

These changes echo the fruit of the Spirit and reflect God’s kindness to us. Spiritual maturity sparks humility—you see God’s greatness and your need for Him. If you notice these qualities growing, your faith is maturing, not just cycling through rituals. For more insight, explore these eight signs of spiritual growth that many believers experience during times of change.

When you see these traits showing up, you can be sure you’re not just going through the motions—you’re truly growing spiritually.

Warning Signals: When You’re Just Going Through the Motions

It’s possible to be active in church, read your Bible every morning, and still feel spiritually dry. Many Christians go through seasons where habits crowd out the heart, and activities replace real connection. Recognizing the warning signals when you’re just going through the motions is key. When you notice these signs in your faith, you can pause, ask hard questions, and invite God to stir your heart again. If you wonder whether you’re growing spiritually or going through religious motions, look closely at these common patterns.

Routine Without Heart Involvement

Religious routines are not bad by themselves. Attending church, reading Scripture, or praying regularly all build a solid foundation. Yet, when these practices become mechanical, they lose their power. You may find yourself singing worship songs but thinking about your to-do list. Bible reading turns into scanning the words instead of seeking guidance or encouragement. Prayer becomes a quick checklist instead of meaningful conversation.

When there’s no emotional connection, joy fades and faith can start to feel lifeless. Your spirit feels untouched, even though the rituals continue. It’s like watering a plant in dry soil—the surface looks wet for a moment, but deep down, nothing changes. Emotional disconnect is a signal your soul needs more than routine. For practical ideas on how to move forward, see these habits to restore passion in your walk with God.

Lack of Transformation Over Time

Another clear warning sign is the absence of ongoing transformation. Spiritual growth isn’t instant, but it does change you over time. If you’re committed to the same habits and attitudes month after month, ask if your routines are really helping you grow.

• Is there a stubborn sin that never weakens?

• Are your relationships still marked by old patterns of bitterness or impatience?

• Do you find it hard to forgive, even after years of church involvement?

If faith isn’t leading you toward greater love, patience, and humility, you may be stuck in religious motions. True growth produces lasting change in your character. The Bible describes this as bearing fruit; when nothing in your life looks different, that’s a red flag to slow down and reassess. Consider focusing on steps that foster true inner change when routines seem empty.

Measuring Faith by Activities Instead of Growth

It’s easy to measure faith by how much you do, but faith is not a checklist. When you start defining your relationship with God by the number of church services attended or chapters read, you risk slipping into legalism. This approach focuses on what’s visible rather than what’s happening inside.

Legalistic attitudes often bring:

• A focus on rules over relationship

• Feeling proud of religious activity or guilty when you fall short

• Comparing your faith “score” to others

• Pressure to “perform” rather than trust

God cares more about your heart than your achievements. Evaluating your faith solely by outward actions leads to frustration and burnout. Real growth is measured by who you’re becoming, not just what you’re doing. Discovering how to move past legalism and toward freedom in Christ can open the way for authentic spiritual growth.

Spotting these warning signals doesn’t mean you’re failing as a Christian. Instead, use them as invitations to renew your connection with God and pursue authentic, lasting change. Being honest about where you are is the first step toward leaving empty rituals behind for a deeper, more meaningful walk of faith.

Overcoming Spiritual Stagnation and Reigniting Growth

Feeling spiritually stuck is more common than you think. Even the most devoted Christians can fall into routines and feel like their faith has lost its spark. Breaking free from going through religious motions takes intention and courage, but it’s the road to lasting transformation. Here are steps every believer can take to move out of spiritual stagnation and start growing spiritually with renewed passion and clarity.

Practicing Honest Self-Reflection

Self-reflection shines a light on the state of your soul. When you pause and ask tough questions, you uncover whether you're growing spiritually or going through religious motions. This requires honesty—looking past routines to examine motives, attitudes, and real change.

Simple ways to practice honest self-reflection:

• Journal about your daily spiritual practices and how they make you feel.

• Ask God to show areas of your heart that need to soften or change.

• Regularly review where you're experiencing growth and where you feel stagnant.

• Consider sharing your reflections with a trusted friend for extra accountability.

Think of self-reflection as checking your spiritual pulse. It's not about guilt—it's about discovering where God wants to bring new life. If you’d like practical guidance for this process, try a self-check using steps for spiritual growth in daily life.

Reconnecting With God’s Word and Prayer

Growth thrives where God’s truth is present and prayer is real. Sometimes, stagnant faith results from routine Bible reading or lifeless prayers. Reigniting growth means reconnecting with Scripture and prayer as genuine conversation—feeding your soul, not just checking a box.

Tips to freshen your time in God’s Word and prayer:

• Pick a new Bible translation or start a reading plan focused on a Gospel or letter.

• Write prayers in a notebook, speaking freely to God about your frustrations and hopes.

• Memorize one verse each week that addresses areas where you feel stuck.

• Schedule five quiet minutes each morning or night for stillness before God.

If your prayers feel flat or your Bible reading feels dry, don’t get discouraged. Even small steps can change your perspective and help you hear God’s voice again. You can find encouragement and fresh ideas in this guide on deepening your prayer and Scripture habits.

Seeking Community and Spiritual Guidance

Isolation stifles growth; connection brings lasting change. Being surrounded by other believers helps you recognize blind spots and receive encouragement for the journey. Community keeps spiritual growth from becoming a solo effort where you’re left to guess what God is doing.

You can refresh your faith by:

• Attending a small group or Bible study for honest conversation and prayer support.

• Reaching out to a spiritual mentor or pastor to share struggles and seek counsel.

• Committing to serve with others in your church, using your gifts to bless the community.

• Confessing doubts or spiritual dryness with close friends for prayer and encouragement.

Being vulnerable about your struggles is hard, but it leads to real growth. Even spiritual giants needed others to walk with them and keep them on track. When you invite trusted people into your faith journey, you make room for God to work in powerful ways. For more on the value of accountability and finding spiritual guidance, explore practical tips on connecting with community and mentors.

Moving from spiritual stagnation to true growth isn’t done in one leap—but intentional, honest steps produce real change. When you commit to reflecting, reconnecting, and seeking community, you invite God to breathe new life into your walk with Him.

Living a Life Marked by Authentic Spiritual Growth

Living a life shaped by authentic spiritual growth is more than having spiritual habits—it's about letting faith transform how you act, think, and serve every day. Christians who grow spiritually do more than learn facts; they put truth into action. The difference shows up in how you treat people, how you handle challenges, and the choices you make when no one is watching.

Spiritual Growth Shows Up in Daily Life

Genuine spiritual growth comes to life in small, consistent actions. It's about being honest, kind, and patient with others, even when it's hard. You'll notice that you react to stress or frustration with more grace than before. You listen better. You forgive more quickly. Even your goals and attitudes shift as you let God direct your decisions.

You don’t have to be perfect. But when you’re growing spiritually, people will see:

• Steady character: You stay true to your values whether you’re at home, work, or church.

• Generosity: You give your time, attention, and resources to help others without expecting anything back.

• Transparency: You’re real about both strengths and struggles, letting go of pretense.

Everyday choices—like being honest at work, making time to pray for a friend, or apologizing after losing your temper—reveal your heart’s true direction.

If you want help noticing where spiritual growth is actually showing up in your life, it helps to reflect on the fruit of the Spirit as evidence of spiritual growth.

Serving Others as an Outflow of Growth

A sure sign that you’re growing spiritually (not just going through religious motions) is that your focus shifts outward. As God works in your heart, you naturally want to serve and care for others. This reflects Jesus’ own life—he came not to be served, but to serve.

Think about these marks of serving as spiritual growth:

• You notice needs around you, and step in to help without being asked.

• Your prayers include the burdens of friends, family, and even strangers.

• You begin to forgive and show mercy more readily, echoing God’s grace to you.

• Serving doesn’t feel like a box to check, but something that brings you joy and purpose.

When faith leads to action, your relationships grow stronger and your church becomes healthier. You move from asking, “What can I get?” to, “How can I give?” This isn’t just about volunteering at church, but choosing every day to bless others—sometimes in quiet, unseen ways.

Ongoing Transformation: Always Becoming More Like Christ

Spiritual growth doesn’t end, and it’s never about arriving at perfection. It’s a lifelong journey of being changed daily—bit by bit—into the likeness of Christ. This means owning your mistakes, seeking forgiveness, and asking God to help you grow.

You’ll notice ongoing transformation when you:

• Become quicker to admit when you’re wrong, prioritizing relationships over pride.

• Seek God’s perspective before reacting in anger or frustration.

• Say yes to opportunities that help others, even when inconvenient.

• Welcome feedback, correction, and gentle rebuke, knowing God uses these to shape you.

Your spiritual life will have seasons of progress and periods where you feel stuck. That’s normal. What matters is keeping a humble, open heart that’s willing to change.

If you want practical ideas on how to continue this daily transformation and track signs of steady progress, browse resources about maintaining momentum in your spiritual growth journey.

Living a life marked by genuine spiritual growth means your faith bears fruit that others can see, but it also roots you in peace and purpose that endure—much deeper than simply maintaining religious motions.

Conclusion

Spiritual growth is not about outward routines but a changed life rooted in love, purpose, and humility. Each step away from empty rituals and closer to a deeper relationship with God brings lasting peace and joy. Honest reflection is the key—take time to ask if you’re truly growing spiritually or going through religious motions.

Choose regular heart checks and pursue habits that draw you closer to God. Explore practical ways to develop healthy spiritual growth practices that foster lasting change.

Your journey doesn’t end here. Keep pursuing authentic growth, and let God transform your life from the inside out. Thank you for reading—share your thoughts, and encourage others to seek genuine faith over empty habits.