When we see a child or any human being beyond the age of two that is not walking we say, "something is wrong." We pursue every possible option to rectify that situation.

When, after a year or two, we see children born of the Spirit of God that do not show works like the Christ who abides in them, we should declare, "something is wrong!" And we should not rest until what's wrong is made right.

Observing the grueling, relentless process in which an ordinary child attains the ability to walk is instructive. Turning, rolling, pulling, pushing, straining, crying, falling, hundreds and hundreds of times . . . just to perform a fundamental skill that is perfectly suited to his nature. So much frustration, exasperation and determination! Why, you'd think that if God intended for him to walk, the child would one day simply stand up and walk.

Something occurs in the practice and the process that affects muscles, bones, coordination, and balance - without which no one could continue walking.

The human's instinct and capacity to walk upright is an essential element of their natural birth.

How would it be any different for a man to walk in the Spirit? To have pressed through the necessary process to display attitudes and behaviors appropriate to his nature?

The Bible says we are created in Christ for good works; the same kinds of supernatural works Jesus did. So many followers of Christ say that they've prayed and attempted to do His works, but it didn't work. Therefore, they conclude that such works are not God's will for them.

Can you imagine a child having such thoughts about walking?

What kind of grown-up logic would expect the arduous process required of a child to enter into his birthright of walking, but assume nothing of the sort to develop the inborn realities that express the works of Christ in the realm of the Spirit?

I was going to exhort us to grow up - to show up for practice and do the work. To be confident that what God has deposited inside us must emerge.

But after some reflection, my advise is not, 'grow up.' Rather, if you'll permit me to loosely paraphrase Mt. 18:2-3, I make this suggestion: unless you change the way you've been thinking and acting and become like a little child, you will not experience the miraculous works that perfectly express the kingdom of heaven that you already carry inside you.