As Christians, we know that we are supposed to grow in Christlikeness. We are supposed to reflect the nature of God himself through our lives and actions (Rom 8:29, Gal 4:19, Rom 12:2, Phil 2:3-5). But do you ever feel like you’re just not growing? Do you see sin in your life and think that nothing is changing? Often, I’m tempted to think of my spiritual growth this way.
Last night, I was thinking about it like this… I’ve been working out with a trainer at the gym since last August. I still can look in the mirror and think that I don’t look that different than I did then. But the reality is that since last summer, I’ve lost 56 lbs and 5 pant sizes. When I look in the mirror and still “feel” like I look the same I desperately need the objective truth of the number on the scale to tell me otherwise.
Our Christian walk is much the same. Christ has promised to work in us. He has promised to reveal himself to us as we diligently seek Him. He has promised that as we seek first the kingdom of God, He will transform us. There is command after command to labor for growth in Christ, trusting God as the ultimate One who works to shape us into the image of Christ. But it’s easy to feel like no growth is happening.
Seeking Christ is a discipline much like going to the gym. Sometimes it does not seem that the 20 reps of weights or 30 minutes on the treadmill really paid off. Sometimes we read our Bible and walk away thinking we didn’t really learn anything. We didn’t find a “nugget for the day.” But God promises to continue to work. Keep pursuing growth in godliness whether you feel like the growth is there or not. Have hope. As you continue to look to Christ with the end goal in mind, He will continue to change you.
[copyright, 2010, Emily Schankweiler; A Sacrifice of Praise]
{ 4 comments… read them below or add one }
Yes, I have often felt like you do that there has not been that much progress. I can really relate to what your saying.
Congrats on the progress in the gym. That’s really good.
Thanks Jeff! Its always encouraging to look back and see all that God has done. It encourages me when I feel like nothing is changing.
Amen. I encourage all those to keep moving foward and life is change for the better.
yes it ‘s encouraging to no God is always working in us, even when we feel we not growing to perfect us in christ let us keep encouraging our selves .thanks.