Have you ever tried to learn a new language? It can take time and effort, but with practice, you can become fluent. N.T. Wright notes that growing in Christian character is tied to God’s kingdom project in the world. It is like learning a new language. Our natural tendencies are toward selfishness and sin. The Holy Spirit is transforming us, and as we grow we will reflect Christ and the fruit of knowing him more and more. So patience does not come naturally, but patience is a fruit of the Spirit and one that grows in us as we grow in Christ. We must think of patience as the norm for the kingdom of God. Love does not come naturally, but I learn to love as God does as I grow. When you have learned a new language, the best compliment you can receive is that you sound like a native. In the already and the not yet kingdom, we are learning the language of life and we can show that life to the world and prepare ourselves for when that language will be the only thing we speak (N.T. Wright, “Learning the Language of Life: New Creation and Christian Virtue” [presentation, Fuller Theological Seminary, Pasadena, CA, February 26, 2009]).
