Jeanne H Barnett's Blog

After some recent study and prayer time,
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 potentially has 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,
bring peace out of chaos,
empower, strengthen resolve—

I seek GOD and GOD’s nature,
and spiritual energies of amazing
force flows 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 while I am trying to do this
impossible task FOR myself, BY myself
instead of following the path of my mission
and letting the “helper” Jesus promised do the work
as GOD flows through all of creation.

I need to “seek GOD” as repeatedly commanded
in the Scriptures and
let GOD do what GOD wants to do which
is motivated by Love, GOD’s nature:
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

the question remains . . . WHO?
me
OR
GOD?

I sit in the silence and ask myself . . .