We know that anyone born of God does not continue to sin; the One who was born of God keeps them safe, and the evil one cannot harm them.

1 John 5: 18

What does Christian growth look like on a day-to-day basis?

It has been said that Christian discipleship is “a long obedience in the same direction.” In his book by that title, Eugene Peterson wrote, “There is a great market for religious experience in our world; there is little enthusiasm for the patient acquisition of virtue, little inclination to sign up for a long apprenticeship in what earlier generations of Christians called holiness.”

In this short verse, John reminds us of two important truths:

• A Christian’s life is marked by growing faithfulness to God, demonstrated through obedience.

• The true source of our strength and perseverance is Christ Himself, who keeps and protects us.

The Christian life is not built on our ability to pull ourselves up by our own bootstraps. We are completely dependent on Christ. Even our obedience is not accomplished in our own strength. We are not left to navigate life on our own.

It is through faith in the finished work of Christ that God transforms us from the inside out. As we walk with Him, He shapes our desires, strengthens our faith, and produces spiritual growth in our lives. While that growth may sometimes seem slow, it should be evident over time.

A maturing faith should lead to a maturing life. Day by day, step by step, Christ is at work in His people, helping them persevere and making them more like Himself. It is our faith in the work of Christ that brings about the change in our lives. And there should be a change. A maturing faith should reflect a maturing life.