[We] are being transformed into his likeness.
—2 Corinthians 3:18
“[I]t is by grace you have been saved, through faith—and this not from yourselves, it is the gift of God . . .” (Eph 2:8). You didn’t do anything to achieve your salvation, but you must do something to exhibit it.
Paul describes it as being “transformed” into the image of Jesus. It’s a growth process: “from one degree of glory to another” (2 Cor 3:18 NET). It is displayed in the maturing of “love, joy, peace, patience, kindness, goodness, faithfulness, gentleness and self-control” (Gal 5:22–23).
Take a paused look at each of those nine character traits.
Economists use the term Year-over-Year to compare how this year’s numbers stack up against last year’s: better or worse.
How are you doing Year-over-Year with those nine virtues? Compared to last year, have you progressed or retrogressed?
You’re not the same person today
that you were a year ago.