Christian growth is symmetrical?

I was listening to one of Tim Keller’s free sermons called “How to Change,” and he said that Christian growth is gradual, inevitable, organic and symmetrical. The first three I got, but the last one left me befuddled.

He explained that Christians gradually grow in all aspects of the Fruit of the Spirit, not just one. It is impossible to grow in patience and not self-control, for instance. Human effort can muster growth in one area, but leave huge deficits in the others. Symmetrical growth is how the Spirit works.

Notice Galatians 5 calls them “Fruit of the Spirit” because only He can do this whole-life change. That passage contrasts fruit with what are called “Works of the Flesh” because they are results of human effort. Symmetrical growth is supernatural.

Over time, we gradually change in every area until we are transformed into His image. Sort of like when we say, “Dude, have you lost weight?” It’s gradual enough to where we’re not sure.

That is how we grow. Gradual. Symmetrical. Organic. Inevitable. Thanks Tim.