"Not that I have already obtained this or am already perfect; but I press on to make it my own, because Christ Jesus has made me His own."Phil. 3:12      

In this text, the apostle Paul's testimony of lifelong growth reminds us that Christian maturity can be encouraged but not hurried.  I remember grandfather saying, "Just as God takes time to make that oak tree, He takes time to make a saint. Christian growth is a process.     

Paul knows that he is far from being mature in his Christian life. He continues to press on, finding joy in clinging more firmly to Christ. The daily struggle becomes a joy for us when we remember that Christ has made us His own. We belong to Him. He has won the victory over the daily repeat of our sins. Jesus has taken hold on us and grasps us firmly with His love.    

Christian friends, Are you feeling impatient over your spiritual growth? Remember, God is not finished with you yet, nor does He expect to be until He calls you home. Only make sure that your goal is to know Christ and to become more like Him. Slowly but surely, He will bring you to maturity.  

O God, make me one of those rarest souls                                                           Who willingly wait for Thy time;                                                                                  My impatient will must be lost in Thine own,                                                  And Thy will forever be mine.  

THOUGHT FOR THE DAY - There are no shortcuts to spiritual maturity.