Colossians 3:10 says that Christians “have put on the new self, who is being renewed to a true knowledge according to the image of the One who created him …”. It should be instructive to us that the verse says the Christian “IS BEING renewed”. “Is being renewed” is a present participle, meaning that it is something which is currently underway. It is not a “done deal.” It is a process. This has some important applications for us:

— First, it means that we shouldn’t become too impatient with ourselves spiritually. God doesn’t make us new all at once. It is a process, and that process takes time. Don’t become discouraged if everything doesn’t change for you as a Christian overnight. You “are being renewed” and God is patiently continuing to work with you to make you like Himself.

— But secondly, if we are to be so patient with ourselves, we should also show that same understanding to others! God is still working on THEM too! They have not “arrived” yet either! We should apply the “Golden Rule” here, and be as patient with others’ shortcomings as we would want them to be with ours.

The bottom line is, God is not through with any of us yet. Each of us who have trusted Jesus as our Savior are “born again” and are a “new creation.” But none of us has arrived yet. Be patient, with yourself and with others, as God continues His process of holiness in each of His children.