Principles of Spiritual Growth

by Miles J. Stanford

A friend once handed me a copy of a book entitled The Green Letters, written by Miles J. Stanford. After reading the first few pages, I knew I had something in my hand that was extraordinary. Day by day during my devotional time I read at least one section and found the book to contain one of the most practical approaches to the various areas of my spiritual life that I have ever read. I asked others to read it, and they confirmed my impressions. The various parts of the book were originally prepared as short letters and were sent to a number of interested friends. They were then compiled into the book which was known as The Green Letters, but in order to make this new printing meaningful to a new audience, the title has been changed to Principles of Spiritual Growth. We are thankful for permission from the author to publish this book for the benefit of a larger group of friends. Set forth in this book are basic principles pertaining to the Christian's spiritual exercises. These princi

Genres: Christian, Spirituality, Christian Living, Devotional, Discipleship

108 pages, Paperback

First published October 1, 1982

Reviews

[Glen · Rating 5 out of 5]

I often evaluate the significance of a book by the amount of highlighting and marginal notes it evokes as I read through it. By this standard, the 108 pages of Stanford's spiritual musings is a definite "all-time favorite".

The simple, pungent insights of this work are refreshing. There are eighteen principles discussed in short, well-structured chapters that fit perfectly into a devotional setting.

Among the strengths of the book, I love the feel of this narrative. The reader senses that he/she is walking through the author's personal collection of significant quotes accumulated over many years of reflection. Each chapter has a wide range of salient quotations that Stanford's commentary strategically weaves together into a compelling presentation.

Watchman Nee, AW Tozer, J.B. Stoney, William Newell and an extensive collection of powerful Christian voices are extensively cited in such an economic fashion that each paragraph brings a richness to your pondering. This is undoubtedly one of the most compact books on spirituality that I've read.

The voice is devotional with an emphatic reliance on Scriptural truth ("facts"). The logical sequencing of the various chapters helps paint a road map for spiritual maturation. The last chapter aptly represents this progression. It is entitled, "Continuance".

There are a handful of books that I reread due to the way they impact my thinking. This is certainly one of those and to my friend who personally recommended it to me...I owe him a big "thank you"!

[David Mccowan · Rating 4 out of 5]

I didn't want to like this book. I agree it is well done and I found it devotionally very powerful. But I had several issues despite the pleasure of reading it:

- Dennis Rokser is right, This book needed a good exposition of Romans 6-8.
- The language is often too esoteric and too spiritual instead of being top down, plain, and systematic. The later is easier for me to internalize.
- It ends abruptly, only to find out after starting that this short book is part of a larger series titled *The Complete Green Letters*
- The non-scripture quotes don't have sources though some can be guessed at.


The good:

- Well quoted.
- Small concise, narrowly focused chapters
- Good development from topic to topic.


Read if you are not a baby Christian and want to live more of Romans 8 than Romans 7. But I warn the reader if I had not read Rokser's *Saved but Struggling With Sin_ Is Victory Availible* and if I had not already been walking with Christ for three years and blessed with a deep passion and time to read God's word. I would have been utterly lost.

God willing I will read *The Complete Green Letters*, The larger work which contains this work sometime this year.

[Karis Turner · Rating 5 out of 5]

I’m really thankful to have discovered this book, and I highly recommend it to any fellow believer. While I’m very familiar with all the passages highlighted within, the spiritual perspectives and challenges put forth here felt revolutionary for me. I will be re-reading this immediately, and probably again after that.

[Laura · Rating 5 out of 5]

Old book but one of the best (1st in a series) books dealing with how transformation happens, same way getting saved happens!

[Glen · Rating 5 out of 5]

I came across this book a couple of year back, devoured it and recommended it to many of my friends.

Now, two year later, I am once again pondering these 108 pages with a renewed appreciation for the wisdom God placed in Miles Stanford. This work actually began as a collection of pastoral letters where Stanford was offering spiritual direction to some of his close friends. Later the intimate correspondences were compiled and elaborated yet further into their current form.

There are eighteen principles discussed. Each chapter is succinct and reads like the spiritual journals that were so common in church history. There are ample quotes from many of the luminaries whose books line personal libraries. Men such as Tozer, Nee, McCheney, Austin-Sparks...are quoted in ways that flow with the narrative. Such intentionality is a wonderful example of how one individual's pursuit of truth can nourish many who stand in line to receive that truth.

Christ's work and the Scriptures are the heartbeat of this book. The Principles are simple summarizations of biblical patterns and the writer intensely pushes the reader to not settle for superficial reflection. Delving into the dynamics of spiritual growth saturates each chapter.

For those seeking a short book that requires a lot of chewing, you will find this volume an excellent choice. And, if you underline like me, each topic will have scores of thought provoking quotes urging you on to greater intimacy with Jesus.

[Josh Loomis · Rating 5 out of 5]

A short but excellent book about growing in Christ. The best part of the book is that Stanford's recommendation to grow is to crucify your flesh and have the long view in mind. Although this can be frustrating to those who want a short-cut to spiritual maturity, this is the truth of how spiritual growth occurs.

[Michael David · Rating 4 out of 5]

I read this book on a trip. It distills important concepts in faith and spiritual growth, and reviews timeless concepts in faith.

[Gordon Paisley · Rating 2 out of 5]

I really struggled with this one. If you are looking for what you can do to grow, this won't help.

[James Creasman · Rating 5 out of 5]

One of the most influential books in my life as a young Believer.

[Zack]

I gave this book five stars for a reason! Quite possibly the most insightful and eye-opening book I've ever read. Even though it's only 91 pages and each of the chapters are rarely more than 4 pages long, it took me a month to read it. This was mostly due to the fact that I could not read more than one chapter in the same sitting because there was so much meat in it! This book will give you sound biblical truths to chew on and process through. While reading this book, I received huge revelations on justification, identification, and laboring unto rest. Each of these concepts are too rich to discuss in depth here, but I would definitely encourage anyone who is serious about their personal relationship with Jesus Christ to read this book to find out about these concpets for themselves. I can see myself reading this book several times in the future in order to re-immerse myself in its truths.

[John · Rating 4 out of 5]

"Studying these truths is hard work. Right?' -- Beginning of Chapter 12, "The Cross"

Well, spiritual growth ... we all know how to do that:. Read the Bible. Pray. Go to church. Tithe, or at least give some money. Find some way to serve.

In this short, powerful book, it turns out that spiritual growth has much more to do with how we see things than what we do. The short chapters start with Faith, Time, Acceptance and Purpose and continue all the way through Cultivation and Continuance. It becomes clear that spiritual growth is a process. It takes time.

"Principles of Spiritual Growth" is the sort of book one could read many times and find new nuggets each time.

Each chapter is packed with Scripture and with quotations from other sources. I found that when I particularly liked a quote, if often came from Watchman Nee. I've known this name for decades but I've never read anything from him. Perhaps that should change.

And yes. It is hard work.

[Tim · Rating 5 out of 5]

I may have originally picked up this old little book from a library clear out sale at my church because there were big trees on the cover. But it has proven to be an extremely helpful and insightful book for me. It has short, focused chapters that are packed with deep thoughts. The book does not help you pass the time or entertain you. It presents mindless truths and a clear way. It makes you feel deeper after you read it. A short chapter is enough for one sitting. It is all about our true identity as Christians, and the process of our growth and transformation.

[Rick · Rating 5 out of 5]

I have read and re-read this small volume many times in my life. For me personally it is the single best book on the deeper aspects of the Christian walk that one can read. Having been born and reared in a legalistic environment this book revealed the true Biblical expansion of God's grace and our standing in Christ. Every bit of our salvation, sanctification and glorification is from, through and because of Christ and his work alone! We can stop striving because He has done it all-Gal. 2:20.

[Sean Harding · Rating 4 out of 5]

Fifteen ana bit years after first reading this book I have re-read it.
Well - it is a collection of writings by the author and basically it is what the title says - different principles to assist spiritual growth.
The forward makes it seem like it is the greatest book of all time, and whilst it is a good book, it is not one that I will overtly remember, however the themes and the ideology will stay with me.

[Rick Metrick · Rating 5 out of 5]

One of the first books to arouse my spiritual to reach beyond myself and into the heart of God

[Jane Riebe-Tritten · Rating 5 out of 5]

This was a very good book and a quick read full of useful information.

[Joey Ellis · Rating 4 out of 5]

Every young person new to the Christian faith needs to read this.

[Andy Anderson · Rating 4 out of 5]

An old classic and worth the read. Short chapters on spiritual growth.