But I say, walk and live [habitually] in the [Holy] Spirit [responsive to and controlled and guided by the Spirit]; then you will certainly not gratify the cravings and desires of the flesh (of human nature without God). Galatians 5:16 (AMPC)
When my son turned about ten, he started growing like crazy. Sometimes I wondered if he woke up a quarter inch taller every morning. It seemed like he needed new shoes and jeans monthly!
Every time he’d grow out of something we’d think, “What is this kid doing?” Of course, he wasn’t doing anything! He didn’t have to try to become a man. He’s all male. He was born that way! As he was growing, he was at peace. He didn’t have to work at it. As his parents, we made sure he was eating the right food and getting enough sleep, of course, and we protected him from danger as best we could. But he naturally grew into a man.
I think we as believers have overcomplicated this life of serving Jesus. We’ve made it seem so hard when it’s supposed to be as natural as a child growing into an adult.
Too many Christians are trying hard, scrambling, climbing, working and striving to become good Christians. I want to tell them, You ARE a Christian. You already ARE in God’s family. You already ARE a child of God. You already ARE approved of!
Never stop growing and changing. And the whole time, be at rest just as it says in Hebrews 4:2–3. Keep feeding yourself the Word, staying connected at your church, praying, doing what the Bible teaches, and you will naturally develop and grow into who you are.