"There are no shortcuts to maturity. We are 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. We want a sermon, a seminar or an experience that will instantly remove all problems and release us from all growing pains. But real maturity is never the result of a single experience, no matter how powerful or moving. Growth is gradual...
'Our lives gradually become brighter and more beautiful as God enters our lives and we become like Him.' 2 Corinthians 3:18b The Message.
...Although God could instantly transform us, he has chosen to develop us slowly. Why?
- We are slow learners
- We have a lot to unlearn
- We are afraid to humbly face the truth about ourselves
- Growth (change) is often painful and scary
- Habits take time to develop
Great souls are grown through struggles and storms and seasons of suffering." The Purpose Driven Life Day 28
Don't try to get out of anything prematurely. Let it do its work so you become mature and well developed. James 1:4 The Message
The road to health and freedom is hard and painful. It is easy to see that getting physically fit takes time and exercise and sometimes pain. Exercise is not fun at times, but we endure it because we want the physical results. Are we willing to endure the emotional pain to get healthy spiritually and psychologically? The choice is ours. We could stop at any moment. But, if we really want to be mature we won't settle for the quick fix. We will hold and learn the lessons that make us more and more like Christ.
Being confident of this, that he who began a good work in you will carry it on to completion until the day of Christ Jesus. Philippians 1:6 NIV
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