God grows us one step at a time

“So get rid of your old self, which made you live as you used to—the old self that was being destroyed by its deceitful desires. Your hearts and minds must be made completely new, and you must put on the new self, which is created in God’s likeness and reveals itself in the true life that is upright and holy.” (Eph. 4:22–24 NIV)

Even though God could work a miracle and change us instantly, He usually works with us slowly and steadily, changing us little by little. That’s how Jesus developed the lives of His disciples, and it’s how God allowed Israel to take possession of the Promised Land—“little by little”—so they would not be overwhelmed (Deut. 7:22).

Both negative and positive habits develop over time

You don’t get out of shape instantly—physically or mentally—and you don’t get into good shape instantly either. I was reminded of this when my doctor told me I was pre-diabetic and needed to lose weight. It had taken me a long time to gain the weight, and I realized it would also take time to lose it. So I developed a plan that took a year and a half, and I lost 60 pounds. The progress was slow and the changes came in small increments—but it worked.

Good character habits take time to develop

To develop Christlike character, you must practice it over time. Your character is the sum total of your habits. You can’t claim to be kind unless you are habitually kind. Your habits eventually define who you are. There are no instant habits.

That’s why Paul urged Timothy:

“Practice these things; devote yourself to them, so that all may see your progress.” (1 Tim. 4:15 ESV)

Therefore

Don’t be discouraged by slow progress. God is far more interested in steady, lasting transformation than in quick, shallow change. If you keep walking with Him and taking small, faithful steps, He will complete the work He has started in you.

“And I am sure of this, that He who began a good work in you will carry it on to completion until the day of Christ Jesus.” (Phil. 1:6)