"Being a Christian is more than just an instantaneous conversion. It is a daily process whereby you grow to be more and more like Christ."
~Billy Graham
It's really a breather to think about being a Christian as something gradual rather than instant, isn't it? Not that it wouldn't be awesome to become totally pure in heart and spirit the second one accepts Christ as Savior; but alas, that isn't what happens. Becoming more like Christ--more heavenly minded, selfless, faithful, strong, and all the other things God teaches us to be--is a daily process of growth. Something that's supposed to happen over a long period of time.
Which is also a relief, when one thinks about it, because growing and making changes in life isn't easy! It's a physical impossibility for a rose bush to spring up a day or week after its seed was planted, just like it's impossible to overcome or at least lessen numerous natural sinful things like pride. The Lord does strengthen us to do it--and not too slowly--but it's very good to know that He won't get angry because one year's gone by and we're not perfect.
Plus, the fact that growth is a daily thing gives the hope that we become "better" each and every day; that we can wake up every morning and know that we'll be getting stronger, and go to sleep every night knowing the Lord has taught us something. It's like going to a favorite class knowing we'll be learning another aspect of a skill--only without the homework!
Growth is really an awesome part of our lives as Christians; amen? :)
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