There are no shortcuts to maturity
Here is a quote from Rick Warren's book, The Purpose Driven Life.
(which, by the way, I have not read, however this section rocks).
'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.
'When you try to ripen fruit quickly, it loses its flavour. In America, tomatoes are usually picked unripened fo they won't bruise during shipping to the stores. Then, before they are sold, these green tomatoes are sprayed with CO2 gas to turn them red instantly. Gassed tomatoes are edible, but they are no match to the flavour of a vine-ripened tomato that is allowed to mature slowly.
'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.
'Today 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 resolve all problems, remove all temptation, 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.'
How encouraging that God takes time to make us perfect.
What do you think?
(which, by the way, I have not read, however this section rocks).
'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.
'When you try to ripen fruit quickly, it loses its flavour. In America, tomatoes are usually picked unripened fo they won't bruise during shipping to the stores. Then, before they are sold, these green tomatoes are sprayed with CO2 gas to turn them red instantly. Gassed tomatoes are edible, but they are no match to the flavour of a vine-ripened tomato that is allowed to mature slowly.
'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.
'Today 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 resolve all problems, remove all temptation, 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.'
How encouraging that God takes time to make us perfect.
What do you think?