We are expected to grow in the kingdom of God.
God does not expect us to be perfect, and He certainly doesn’t expect instant transformation. And again He said, ‘To what shall I liken the kingdom of God? It is like leaven, which a woman took and hid in three measures of meal till it was all leavened.’ (Lk 13:20-12)
Jesus is saying that the kingdom of God takes time to develop in us. We receive all that we need when we are saved, but He expects it to grow in us, until we are completely filled with His presence. We enter the kingdom in a heartbeat, but it takes time for our character to be molded and shaped into His image.
Too many people beat themselves up because they compare themselves to those who have been in the kingdom for a long time. They think, “I can never be like that.” But what they don’t see is how that veteran started out. Conversely, don’t judge someone else for not measuring up to your expectations. You do not know the growth they have already been through.
That Jesus should describe the kingdom like leaven should be good news. He puts Himself in us and brings life and growth that gets better and better everyday.
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