Anyone can start a race, but not just anyone can finish it. Before you set out on your spiritual race, be sure you are prepared and ready. New Christians do not have the maturity or stability to handle the pressures and temptations of leadership. A novice in such a position can easily swell up with pride due to his lack of spiritual stability. Maple trees demonstrate the stability brought on by slow consistent growth.
Soft maples grow quickly.
Yet, because of the rapid growth they are more prone to cracking. Hard maples, on the other hand, grow slowly. This slow consistent growth produces a solid tree that can withstand most storms. Spiritual and emotional stability usually is a result of slow consistent growth. Do not expect to achieve 15 years of spiritual growth in three months.