I am sure that God who began the good work within you will keep right on helping you grow in his grace until his task within you is finally finished on that day when Jesus Christ returns. Philippians. 1:6 (LB)
There are no shortcuts to maturity. It takes years for us to grow to adulthood, and it takes a full season for fruit to mature and ripen. The same is true for the fruit of the Spirit. The development of Christlike character cannot be rushed. Spiritual growth, like physical growth, takes time.
While we worry about how fast we grow, God is concerned about how strong we grow. God views our lives from and for eternity, so he is never in a hurry.
So far we have seen that this journey involves believing (through worship), belonging (through fellowship), and becoming (through discipleship).
Today we're obsessed with speed, but God is more interested in strength and stability than swiftness. We want the quick fix, the shortcut, the on-the-spot solution. But real maturity is never the result of a single experience, no matter how powerful or moving. Growth is gradual.
WHY DOES IT TAKE SO LONG?
Although God could instantly transform us, he has chosen to develop us slowly.
There is no growth without change, no change without fear or loss, and no loss without pain. We need repeated exposure.
We have a lot to unlearn.
We are afraid to humbly face the truth about ourselves. I have already pointed out that the truth will set us free but it often makes us miserable first. The fear of what we might discover if we honestly faced our character defects keeps us living in the prison of denial. Only as God is allowed to shine the light of his truth on our faults, failures, and hang-ups can we begin to work on them. This is why you cannot grow without a humble, teachable attitude.
Growth is often painful and scary.
You must let go of old ways in order to experience the new.
Habits take time to develop. Remember that your character is the sum total of your habits. There is only one way to develop the habits of Christlike character: You must practice them-and that takes time! There are no instant habits. If you practice something over time, you get good at it. Repetition is the mother of character and skill.
DON'T GET IN A HURRY
Believe God is working in your life even when you don't feel it. Spiritual growth is sometimes tedious work, one small step at a time. Expect gradual improvement. We are often in a hurry when God isn't. You may feel frustrated with the seemingly slow progress you're making in life. Remember that God is never in a hurry, but he is always on time. He will use your entire lifetime to prepare you for your role in eternity.
If it seems slow, do not despair, for these things will surely come to pass. Just be patient! They will not be overdue a single day!" A delay is not a denial from God. Remember how far you've come, not just how far you have to go. You are not where you want to be, but neither are you where you used to be.
-- There are no shortcuts to maturity.
Verse to Remember: "God began doing a good work in you, and I am sure he will continue it until it is finished when Jesus Christ comes again." Philippians 1:6 (NCV)