This is my prayer for you; that your love will grow [increase; abound] more and more; that you will have knowledge and understanding [insight; discernment] with your love; that you will see the difference between good and bad and will choose the good [ discern/test and prove what is best]; that you will be pure and without wrong [blameless] for the coming of Christ; that you will be filled with the good things produced in your life by Christ [ fruit of righteousness that comes through Christ] to bring glory and praise to God.

Philippians 1:9-11 (Expanded Bible)

The Apostle Paul prays a wonderful prayer in his epistle to the Philippians for our love to grow as our knowledge and understanding of God grow.

This is not a critique, but an observation. Many believers seem to embrace a shallow and superficial view of God, which leads to faulty thinking and assumptions without any real change. They prefer a “convenient” faith that complements their lifestyle but not a “confronting” faith that significantly impacts the way they live and conduct themselves. Such an approach to faith allows them to feel they are in control of their lives when God fits into schedules and plans. They only desire enough of God to get by in life, but not all of God’s fullness to take root in their lives. The sad truth, in many cases, is they do not know they are vulnerable and susceptible to the devil’s deception and lies.

A lack of knowledge and insight impedes a healthy relationship with God. We can easily stumble in our faith journey if our understanding of God is not consistent with Scripture. We will not only stray off the path but may also fall victim to false teachings and unbelief.

One way to grow deep spiritual roots is to plumb the depths of the gospel as well as God’s Word and your faith in Christ.

Wean yourself away from simplistic or self-serving teachings that either weaken you or wears you out. Instead of hearing "dumbed-down" sermons that appeal to the ears but do not transform the heart—seek sermons with truth and grace that not only nourish your soul but also sustain your overall spiritual health. But crucially, it is not bad preaching that hinders our desire for God, but rather it is the absence of desiring God that keeps us below the “boiling point” of faith.

A deep understanding of who God is produces a deep faith and love for God. As we grow in the true knowledge of God, He will give us wisdom and discernment through His Scripture and Spirit to keep us from every sin and spiritual danger and lead us toward freedom.