How Much Time Does It Take to Build a Character?

The older I get, the more hindsight I have—hindsight being defined as “I wish I knew then what I know now!”

When I was a young man, I was all about being PRODUCTIVE—measurable achievements defined me. I viewed the PROCESS to that goal as a necessary inconvenience. Like a child in the back seat of the car, I just wanted to know “Are we there yet?” Now that I am old—meaning I have less time ahead of me than behind me—I think more about God’s process (what He is doing inside me, and how I am responding to Him) than my accomplishments! I am comfortable being a branch, letting Him produce the fruit. I really believe “The Lord will work out His plans for my life” (Ps. 138:8).

Characteristically, younger people are impatient with “process”—exceeding the speed limit, so they will reach their destination “on time.” Today, it’s all about “speed”! BETTER means FASTER. Unfortunately, younger people approach spiritual progress with this same state of mind—immediate gratification has come home to roost!

Have we forgotten that our Father Abraham waited forty years for God’s promise? And do we really think Joseph’s life was put on hold for 14 ‘useless’ years in prison? And let’s not forget that Moses’ preparation for ministry took 40 years of isolation in the desert. Their achievements must not be viewed apart from their process. How long will your process take? Only God knows.

God had a reason for creating this thing called TIME: He, the Eternal One, uses “time” to build your character—and only then will He use you to accomplish His purposes. Why do you think Paul uses the words endurance and patience so much? Squash plants sprout overnight and grow to maturity within weeks. Great oak trees take years to mature. Don’t be in such a hurry! Evidently, He isn’t!

Patient endurance is what you need now, so you will continue to do God's will. Then you will receive all that he has promised (Heb. 10:36 NLT).