The Slow Test: Measuring Growth by the Fruit

Everyone loves instant results. Whether it’s a quick fitness fix, a two-day delivery, or a microwave dinner, we’re wired to expect immediate gratification. But when it comes to spiritual growth, God doesn’t work on our schedule. The Holy Spirit works more like a gardener than a microwave—cultivating, pruning, and nourishing us slowly over time. So let’s look at measuring growth by fruit.

The Apostle Paul wrote in Galatians 5:22–23 (NLT),

“But the Holy Spirit produces this kind of fruit in our lives: love, joy, peace, patience, kindness, goodness, faithfulness, gentleness, and self-control. There is no law against these things!”

That’s the “slow test” of spiritual maturity. It’s not about how much emotion you feel in worship, how eloquently you pray, or how often you post a verse online. It’s about the gradual growth of Christlike character—the kind that takes time to develop and roots itself deep in the soul.

A close-up view of a tree stump showing detailed growth rings in warm sunlight. — Each ring tells a story

Fruit, Not Fireworks

We often confuse moments of passion for evidence of maturity. A powerful sermon or an emotional worship experience may inspire us—but true growth shows up in patience when we’re frustrated, in kindness when it’s inconvenient, and in self-control when temptation hits.

That’s the difference between fireworks and fruit. Fireworks light up the sky for a moment; fruit grows quietly, nourishes others, and lasts.

A close-up of a green vine wrapping around a wooden fence post in warm, natural light. — The fruit grows not from striving—but from staying connected to Christ.

My Journey Through the Slow Test

I learned this lesson firsthand.

Last year, I searched for a solid Sunday School study on the Holy Spirit and couldn’t find one that fit. So, I decided to write my own—a full 13-week Bible study that I taught over the summer. You would think after all that research, writing, and teaching that I’d have this “Spirit-led life” figured out. But if I’m honest, it hasn’t been until recently that I’ve really begun to understand how it works.

A few weeks ago, I was scheduled to preach and had my sermon all prepared. But that morning, I felt a nudge—one of those quiet promptings that’s easy to ignore—to speak on something completely different. I set my notes aside and trusted that the Spirit would lead.

When I preached, something changed. It wasn’t just words anymore—it felt alive. People came forward for prayer even though I never asked them to. And when the service ended, I sat in my truck for a few minutes, tears in my eyes, completely overwhelmed. For the first time, I knew I had truly surrendered to the Spirit and let Him lead.

That moment reminded me that spiritual fruit takes time to grow. You can study about the Spirit, teach about Him, and even preach about Him—but living by the Spirit happens one surrendered step at a time.

A farmer walking through rows of crops at sunrise. — Growth happens in the quiet work before the harvest.

Rooted in Relationship

Jesus said in John 15:5 (NLT),

“Yes, I am the vine; you are the branches. Those who remain in me, and I in them, will produce much fruit. For apart from me you can do nothing.”

The Spirit’s fruit grows not through striving, but through abiding—staying connected to Christ daily through prayer, obedience, and surrender. You can’t rush fruit. But you can nurture the soil through consistency and trust.

A single apple ripening on a sunlit tree branch. — God’s timing ripens the fruit of patience and love in us.

Real Growth Takes Time

Instead of asking, “Did I do better today?”, maybe we should ask, “Am I more patient than I was a year ago?”

The Spirit doesn’t measure progress by moments, but by maturity. Every act of surrender, every time we choose love over anger or patience over pride, adds another ring to the tree of faith.

Philippians 1:6 (NLT) says,

“And I am certain that God, who began the good work within you, will continue his work until it is finally finished on the day when Christ Jesus returns.”

Even slow growth is real growth. God is not disappointed by your pace—He’s pleased by your persistence.

Illustration of a tree with deep, healthy roots beneath the surface. — What’s unseen often determines what thrives.

Final Thought

Growth in the Spirit rarely happens in leaps—it happens in steps. Don’t get discouraged by the speed of your progress. Stay rooted, stay surrendered, and let the Holy Spirit do His work in His time.

Golden field ready for harvest under a glowing sunset sky. — The Spirit never wastes the wait—every seed of obedience produces fruit.The Spirit never wastes the wait—every seed of obedience produces fruit.

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