The
“BEFORE ITS A WRAP”
Last word
Great is the believer whose friends include someone who will tell him the truth about the Christian life— The real truth about getting the most out of Christian life without watching it all unravel before our eyes.
Text Galatians 5:19-25
It’s really not that hard to understand… the hard we find is in the doing.
Let’s begin by sorting out the difference between deeds and fruit. The deeds associated with the flesh become isolated points of distraction that rob us of the connection with God that we need to prosper and grow. Examined closely, it all looks ugly. The fruit of the Spirit are those unifying series of practices that when gathered up provide the Christ-follower with purpose, perspective and a clean path to the best life possible in Christ.
So the real question is, which list contain the practices with our name written all over them? Make no mistake about it. The Scriptures are clear. Those who habitually practice the vices associated with the works of the flesh won’t catch a glimpse of the Kingdom of God— not because God is mean but because this kind of behavior suggests that we have no relationship with Christ. We’re living a lie! At the other end of the spectrum— the individual whose interests are focused and driven toward pleasing God, discover in their life, the assurance that God is pleased with their choices.
It’s high time we’re honest with ourselves— the life we lead isn’t about picking the fruit we like the best; it’s rather our compulsion to please Christ that drives us to the sweet spot where Christ is our life.
Finish the week strong—
Want some real work to help you prosper? Try memorizing the passage.
The Vicar
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