Screenshot

I have come to think that my understanding
of the “fruit of the Spirit” in Galatians 5
needs a little adjusting, a “minor-appearing”
difference in the way I look at WHO does
WHAT with a potentially major impact

I guess I kind of looked at the list of the
“fruit of the Spirit” as a list of “goals”
for me to attain—
things I needed to develop within myself as
evidence that I was following God and on
the “right path” – characteristics I would see
that would show in me that I was “doing right.”

In some ways that is true, BUT—
now I look at the list more as a list of “energies”
that are developed by the presence of the
Holy Spirit . . . energies that are amazing—
just look at the power of Love and what it
can do –
move mountains,
build something out of nothing,
empower, strengthen, restore—

I seek GOD and GOD’s nature and
spiritual energies of amazing
force flow throughout me energizing and
motivating me,
guiding me into “new” ancient paths
(love, joy, peace, patience, kindness,
goodness, faithfulness, gentleness, self-control)
as my “walk’” with GOD reveals to my heart
my choice: my “fleshly nature”
(see works of the flesh)
OR
relationship with GOD which opens me
to the Presence of the Holy Spirit
slowly displacing my human
nature with GOD’s energizing nature.

The difference is in WHO develops the inner
“environment” within me on this list—
me or GOD.

IF it is NOT me, then the time and energy I spend
feeling that I have failed in one or more ways is
a waste and I can be distracted
from my primary mission of seeking GOD
by trying to do this impossible task for myself
instead of following the path of my mission
and letting the “helper” Jesus promised
do the work GOD assigns to all of creation.

I need to “seek GOD” as repeatedly commanded
in the Scriptures
and
let GOD do what GOD wants to do:
conform me to the image of Jesus
(“to become conformed to the
image of His Son” Romans 8:29)

ME or GOD? that is the question—
who can draw me into Love that serves
without self regard,
who can prompt joy in the
midst of the ashes of my life,
who can plant peace that passes understanding
in a heart burdened beyond hope,
who can infuse life-sustaining patience
to one in despair of what is seen all around . . .
what is my answer?
ME or GOD . . .

Oh, the depth of the riches,
both of the wisdom and knowledge of God!
How unsearchable are His judgments and
unfathomable His ways!
Romans 11:33