Maturity is a Process

In summary of Colossians 3:10 it says, "Put on your new nature, and be renewed as you learn to know your Creator and become like him."

Bottom line:

Don’t default to the way you were, put on your new nature.  Be renewed as you learn and become more like your creator.

What this means to me:

When I decided to change from going my own way and to commit my life to Christ he gave me a new nature.  It’s easy for me to default to my old self, but this verse reminds me to put on my new nature, become renewed as I learn to walk with and become more like him.  Becoming like Christ is my eventual destination.  This does not come overnight, but rather in the journey of my lifetime.  This journey involves believing (through worship), belonging (through fellowship), and becoming (through discipleship). Every day Jesus wants me to become a little more like him: "You have begun to live the new life, in which you are being made new and are becoming like the One who made you." (Colossians 3:10a NCV)  I am so used to and maybe even obsessed with speed.  However God is more interested in strength and stability than my swiftness.  I want the quick fix, the shortcut, the on-the-spot solution. I want a sermon, a seminar, or an experience that will instantly resolve all problems, remove all temptation, and release me from growing pains.  What I need to realize is that real maturity is never the result of a single experience, no matter how powerful or moving. Growth will be gradual. The Bible says, "Our lives gradually becoming brighter and more beautiful as God enters our lives and we become like him." (2 Corinthians 3:18b Msg)  In summary, this means I need to put on my new nature every day and not default to my old ways.  I need to constantly renew myself as I spend time with Jesus.  My spiritual maturity is a process that will last my whole life time.