Progress in life does not mean saying, “I used to be single, now I'm married,” or “I used to live in a two-room apartment, but now I'm in a duplex”. Many people define progress by outward achievements, but that's not true progress. Some say, “I used to be barren, now I have children,” or “My account balance used to have five zeros, now it has eight”. Jesus said, “…a man's life consisteth not in the abundance of the things which he possesseth” (Luke 12:15). Progress in life is not measured by what you have, but by who you are becoming. Progress in life is becoming a better person. Progress is you.

Progress in life is not in things; it's in who you're becoming. Because you now live in a duplex doesn't mean demons can't harm you. Many people's lives have been cut short or destroyed because they made progress in things but not in themselves. The Bible warns, “What shall it profit a man, if he shall gain the whole world, and lose his own soul?…” (Mark 8:36).

So, pause and ask yourself—who are you becoming? Are you growing? Are you even aware that there's a possibility of growth? The Bible says, “…Jesus increased in wisdom and stature, and in favour with God and man” (Luke 2:52). Focus on growth, not on things. Focus on you. Who are you becoming? Are you just adding years but not growing? Are you growing in wisdom? Do you make wise choices?

You may say, “I have a lot of money now,” but remember, one wrong choice can set you ten years back. Just one wrong decision can make you marry the wrong spouse, ruin your life, and steal your happiness. It can bring the wrong person into your life—whether as a spouse or a business partner. However, if you grow in wisdom, it's far better than growing in material things. I'm not against material things—they're important—but become a better person first. Don't work on having; work on being. The Bible says, “It is worth nothing for you to have the whole world if you yourself are lost. You could never pay enough to buy back your life” (Matthew 16:26 ERV). So, focus on becoming something, not just having something. Who you are is more important than what you have, because when you become the right person, you will always have.

There are people who can never be broke because of who they are. If they say, “I need help,” people will respond immediately because of their character and value. At the end of the day, you receive because of who you are. Grow in wisdom, character, and understanding. The Bible says, “Wisdom will exalt you when you exalt her truth. She will lead you to honor and favor when you live your life by her insights” (Proverbs 4:8 TPT). Focus on who you're becoming, not what you're getting. Real progress is seen in your spiritual growth and how your life follows God's Word. Work on your inner life, and everything else will fall into place.