1) The classics are classics, and there are few better teachings than this one, entitled "The Turtle Wins." It is one of Aesop’s fables and yet strangely biblical. But how can this be? It’s simple. God’s principles predate everything else, even when it comes to the Code of Hammurabi.

2) Here’s the bottom line: the Christian journey is not one of absolute straight-up and never twisting. Consider Jesus Christ, our Lord, our Savior, and our example. Born of the Holy Spirit, born of the Virgin Mary, and then forced to relocate to Egypt to keep the mission going. This clearly illustrates that there is danger in the pathway.

3) But the victory for every Bible-believing, born-again Christian relies on this one principle: perspective. Without it, there is little hope and strength. If we lose the correct vision, we can easily abandon the race. But if we maintain the vision that has been laid out for us by Jesus Christ, we will not allow the deterrents to prevent us from reaching the goal of eternal victory.

4) We MUST mature as Christians. That is not to say that you and I are not growing. That is the opposite of the truth. If you are one of His, in one way or another, you and I are growing. BUT…that does not mean that we can lean on our blessed assurance and take no accountability for being engaged in the process. After all, we all said, “Yes, Jesus. Make us more like you.”

5) So, while Jesus is answering our prayers, we need to stop whining that He is making us more like Him. The biggest problem is that most of us don’t like His process. But then again, we do proclaim that we call Him Lord. So there is that truth. Yes?