What is holiness or growing in christlikeness? It's the work of the Holy Spirit within us transforming us to live and love like Christ. Think of it like a pair of ripped up jeans. The more you live in and through your jeans the more holes appear. The same is true about the work of the Holy Spirit. The more the Spirit is at work within you the more like Christ you look.
Galatians 2:20-" My old self has been crucified with Christ. It is no longer I who live, but Christ lives in me. So I live in this earthly body by trusting in the Son of God, who loved me and gave himself for me."-NLT