We want to change — to grow — in a moment.

If only we could find the right truth — the big idea — the perfect solution — we’d become Who We Were Meant To Be.

Something to know, in this age of instant:

Truth is rarely viral.

It does not often spread like wildfire. It is never the overnight sensation.

Truth is slow, deliberate, deep. It is the patient product of a lifetime — of a thousand obedient responses, a thousand meals with confession and grace.

Truth is holding fast to the Head (Jesus), from whom the whole body, nourished and knit together through its joints and ligaments, grows with a growth that is from God (Colossians 2:19). Truth is deliberate, long-suffering, complete.

Lies, on the other hand, spread quickly, weaving themselves into healthy bones like a cancer, causing growth apart from the Head. Beware of change that happens too quickly. It is often the way that seems right, but that in the end, leads to the death of self-made, self-help, self-trust. (Proverbs 14:12)

Growth from truth needs time and intention, repetition and love. We are called to hand it down to our children every day, to write it on the doorposts, to engrave it on our hearts. (Deuteronomy 6:4-9; Proverbs 3:3; Psalm 119:15-16)

Lies spring from hate — of others, our circumstances, ourselves. We are promised a cure, but get a disease; the medicine that makes us feel whole for a moment brings us misery for a lifetime.

A lying tongue hates its victims, and a flattering mouth works ruin (Proverbs 26:28).

Truthful lips endure forever, but a lying tongue is but for a moment (Proverbs 12:19).

So we must be patient with ourselves. Breathe deep. Surrender.

Masterworks take time. Above all, they take the Master’s Work, not ours (Ephesians 2:10).

It is not sin to use the blessings of practical and temporary solutions to improve this very practical and temporary life.

Just know that temporary solutions do nothing for an eternal soul.

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