There have been plenty of studies over the years suggesting that certain things actually improve with age. Some say personality improves. Others say love deepens. A few even claim that intimacy gets better over time.
And I can almost hear a few readers quietly thinking, “Well… not in my case.”
But here’s something far more important than what science or sociology says: God’s will for His children is that we improve with age. Not physically—though that would be nice—but spiritually. In character. In love. In Christlikeness.
From the very beginning, this was God’s intention.
“Then God said, ‘Let Us make human beings in Our image, to be like Us.’” — Genesis 1:26 (NLT)
That statement alone tells us something vital: being made in God’s image was never meant to be static. It was meant to be developed. God created us with the capacity to grow into what He already envisioned. That growth doesn’t happen overnight—it unfolds over a lifetime.
The moment we came to know Jesus, transformation began. The Holy Spirit took up residence within us—not just to comfort us, but to shape us, teach us, strengthen us, and patiently guide us into a new way of living. Growth would involve victories and failures, steps forward and occasional stumbles. But through it all, God would be at work forming our character.
And we were never meant to grow alone.
God intentionally placed pastors, teachers, and spiritual leaders in our lives—not to control us, but to equip us.
“Their responsibility is to equip God’s people to do His work and build up the church, the body of Christ. This will continue until we all come to such unity in our faith and knowledge of God’s Son that we will be mature in the Lord, measuring up to the full and complete standard of Christ.” — Ephesians 4:12–13 (NLT)
Notice the word until. Growth is a process, and God has designed support systems to help us mature over time. Spiritual maturity is not accidental—it’s intentional, nurtured, and ongoing.
And yes—every one of us will stumble.
You will. I will. We all do.
But God, in His wisdom, anchors our growth in His unwavering love and acceptance. He knows discouragement can paralyze progress, so He reminds us that His grace is not revoked when we fall short.
“Because we have these promises, dear friends, let us cleanse ourselves from everything that can defile our body or spirit. And let us work toward complete holiness because we fear God.” — 2 Corinthians 7:1 (NLT)
In other words, because God loves us and accepts us, we don’t give up—we keep growing. Maturity is not perfection; it is progress.
Paul describes this transformation beautifully:
“So all of us who have had that veil removed can see and reflect the glory of the Lord. And the Lord—who is the Spirit—makes us more and more like Him as we are changed into His glorious image.” — 2 Corinthians 3:18 (NLT)
I love that phrase “more and more.” That’s improvement over time.
Most of us stand in front of a mirror every morning, doing our best to look a little better than when we rolled out of bed. And if we’re honest, some mornings require more effort than others. But God’s Word works the same way—only far deeper. As we look into it daily, it adjusts us. Shapes us. Renews us. And over time, we begin to reflect Someone else.
Jesus.
“…You have put on the new self, which is being renewed in knowledge in the image of its Creator.” — Colossians 3:10 (NLT)
That renewal is continual. God is patient. He knows how long growth takes.
“Surround me with Your tender mercies so I may live, for Your instructions are my delight.” — Psalm 119:77 (NLT)
What a prayer. And what a comfort.
Our goal is not to impress others with spiritual performance—it’s to become more like Jesus so that His love naturally shines through us. When that happens, people notice. They sense something different. And many will want to know why.
That’s influence. That’s light. That’s a life well-lived.
So take heart. God does want you to mature. And as you yield to Him—again and again—you will improve with age. And when you fall short, He will help you reset and move forward once more.
“The faithful love of the LORD never ends! His mercies never cease. Great is His faithfulness; His mercies begin afresh each morning.” — Lamentations 3:22–23 (NLT)
That’s how growth happens.
Fresh mercy.
Every morning.
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