Do you ever get frustrated at your lack of spiritual progress? If so, you’re not alone.

I recently came across a cartoon from an account on Instagram called BestChristianMemes. It quoted 1 Corinthians 11:1 (ESV): “Be imitators of me, as I am of Christ.” In effect, Paul was saying to the Corinthians that since they knew him, they should imitate him insofar as he was imitating Christ. That personal link would help them.

In the cartoon, Christ was represented by Spiderman. Paul was represented by someone clearly trying to imitate Spiderman with a costume. You and I were represented by a third figure in the middle with an almost laughable costume; it was a far cry from what Paul looked like, let alone Christ!

That’s how we often feel. We become increasingly aware of how much we DON’T live like Christ.

Here’s what you need to remember. The very fact that you are concerned with your growth in holiness can be a sign of your growth in holiness! Ephesians 2:5 describes how we were once spiritually dead and are now alive in Christ. People who are spiritually dead don’t worry about the extent of their sin, their lack of holiness, or how loving they still need to be. Those concerns belong to those who are alive in Christ, not dead.

God sees and values sincere baby steps. They don’t earn you anything, of course; they don’t save you—only Christ can do that. But they are precious acts of faithfulness in the eyes of your heavenly Father. I remember when each of my children were learning to walk. They wobbled and stumbled. But I was grinning from ear to ear, waiting for them with open arms, marvelling at how much they were trying.

I understand frustration. I get it. So just remember that your concern can actually be a sign of your growth. It means that you care and have your eyes set on Jesus.

“…though he may stumble, he will not fall, for the LORD upholds him with his hand” (Psalm 37:4).

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Notes and extra content:

—“Am I a genuine follower of Jesus?” Sermon. February 4, 2024. Click here.