We live in a world of instant gratification. We have microwaves, drive-thru windows and Amazon Prime. 

So when it comes to spiritual growth, we assume that maturity should happen instantly.

But it’s not that easy. Sure, when you start to be a disciple of Jesus some things will change right away. But other things take time. Like wisdom, like a humble heart for love, like holiness…

My wife was recently listening to an interview with Pastor Brady Boyd. Speaking about evangelism, he said “we’re into microwaving when God’s into marinating.”* I think that same principle often applies to our spiritual growth.

Psalm 1:3 talks about the person who delights in God’s law: “That person is like a tree planted by streams of water, which yields its fruit in season…”

A tree doesn’t grow from small to big overnight. It doesn’t grow deep roots and healthy branches overnight. And neither do you.

The reason I wanted to share this with you is because it’s easy to get down on yourself. You want to see progress, but don’t see the results as quickly as you’d like.

So you need to remember that you’re not instant popcorn.

Be patient. Be sincere. And keep going. By his Spirit, God is watering you—or, shall we say, “marinating you”—with things like worship, prayer, the Bible, other believers, and through love.

We’re into microwaving when God’s into marinating.

By Matthew Ruttan

–If you don’t have a church home you’re invited to worship at Westminster online this Sunday, October 25, 2020 at 10:01am EST. Although I’ll be leading the service, the sermon will be given by a special guest: the Rev. Dr. Richard Topping, Principal at the Vancouver School of Theology. His message is on the prodigal son in Luke 15 and is called “All of us get what we don’t deserve.”

–“Up!” is published 5 days a week (Monday-Friday) and returns on October 26.

–Bible quotes are from the NIV.

–*As quoted in an interview for Focus on the Family called “Setting A Godly Example for the Culture.” October 8, 2020.