God has given you a new life, so what’s next? Don’t expect to be different all at once. Just as a new baby must grow and learn, so God is fostering growth and spiritual maturity in you. A new life means you must learn a new way of doing things. It’s time to discard the old habits and replace them with new, Christ-like mannerisms.
2 Corinthians 5:17 “Therefore, if anyone is in Christ, the new creation has come: The old has gone, the new is here!”
2 Peter 3:18 “But grow in the grace and knowledge of our Lord and Savior Jesus Christ. To him be glory both now and forever! Amen.”
It’s not an immediate transition. In fact, after the “born-again” shine wears off a little bit, you may wonder why you don’t feel altogether different. This is normal and it’s okay to take things slow and steady. God does not expect you to go from a new Christian to a mature believer overnight. That steady progression will take a lifetime to accomplish.
It’s best to focus on the things that are immediately before you, and don’t try to walk before you can crawl. If you allow Him, God will continue to challenge you with new and deeper spiritual challenges to stretch and grow you. I promise that each little challenge and subsequent growth spurt will change you overtime and you’ll regain that “born-again” shine and luster.
Ephesians 4:15 “Instead, speaking the truth in love, we will grow to become in every respect the mature body of him who is the head, that is, Christ.”
Also, don’t give up. The struggle will continue and you’ll find that you’ll still battle your old demons. However, unlike before, you are not doing this alone. You now have a strong advocate and champion in your corner! God is patient and will coach you to overcome these areas of weakness.
The Christian life is a lifelong journey. Don’t rush the work that God is doing in you. Be patient and allow Him to change you day-by-day. Remember there is no trophy or reward for becoming the most mature Christian in six weeks or less. Spend time talking to God and reading the Bible and grow in your Christian faith one day at a time. God will be there to guide you every step of the way.
Colossians 2:6-7 “So then, just as you received Christ Jesus as Lord, continue to live your lives in him, rooted and built up in him, strengthened in the faith as you were taught, and overflowing with thankfulness.”
Exercise: Write how it feels that God has given you a new life. What does that mean to you?
