Adulthood ~

Spiritual Growth Takes Time

The journey to adulthood is a gradual process that unfolds over many years, just as the transformation from a tiny seed to ripe fruit takes an entire season under the care of the Earth.

This same principle applies to developing the fruit of the Spirit, which nourishes our character and moral fibre. The cultivation of a Christlike character is not something that can be hastily accomplished; it requires patience and dedication. When we attempt to force the quick ripening of fruit, it often results in a loss of flavour and quality.

While we may find ourselves fretting over the pace of our spiritual progress, God is primarily focused on the strength and depth of our growth. He sees our lives in the present context and through the lens of eternity, allowing Him to remain unhurried in His nurturing of our souls.

When we consciously deen our hearts to Christ and invite Him to work within us, a remarkable transformation begins. Initially, we may feel that we have surrendered our entire lives to Him, but in reality, there are layers of our existence that we might not even be aware of—fears, habits, and desires that we have yet to bring to the light.

Understanding this is vital because we can only offer God as much of ourselves as we comprehend at that moment. This is perfectly acceptable; what truly matters is that once we invite Jesus in, He gradually takes control, influencing more and more aspects of our lives until every part of us belongs to Him completely.

This process has challenges; we will undoubtedly face struggles and conflicts. Yet, we can take heart in the assurance that the conclusion of this journey is secure. As articulated in Philippians 1:6 (NIV), we are promised that “he who began a good work in you will carry it on to completion.” This assurance gives us the confidence to embrace the journey of spiritual growth, knowing that God is diligently at work within us, leading us towards a fruitful and fulfilling life.