Spirit, not flesh.
Experiencing peace is the mind's main goal when striving to survive in a peaceless society.
I have mentioned how I sometimes struggle with developing and securing what I know to be true peace that endures. It is not surprising that when we become distracted by the many moving parts of life, we lose focus on the freedom we are granted through our faith in the Lord. When I feel off, my mind takes me to chapter 5 in Galatians.
Sexual immorality, moral impurity, promiscuity, idolatry, sorcery, hatred, strife, jealousy, outbursts of anger, selfish ambitions, dissensions, factions, envy, drunkenness, and carousing are all products of our flesh living out its desires (Galatians 5:19–21).
What is the fruit of the Spirit?
Galatians 5:22–23 identifies it as love, joy, peace, patience, kindness, goodness, faithfulness, gentleness, and self-control.
Now, completely living out these traits on a regular basis may be a different story! It's a concept we as humans have struggled with since the very beginning: willingly trusting in God and following His guidance. Those who may be unfamiliar with the character of God see Christianity as oppressive, when it is actually the exact opposite.
Galatians 5:1 emphasizes this when it says, "For freedom, Christ set us free. Stand firm then and don’t submit again to a yoke of slavery."
The cycles of peace and chaos flow when we are not rooted in Christ, which causes us to spiral into panic and confusion.
Following Jesus is a decision that must be made every day. We succumb to false peace through temporary comfort, momentary pleasure, or utter avoidance of people and their accompanying environments. True peace originates from the Creator; we cannot cultivate the everlasting peace that Jesus has gifted us.
This is why neither our works nor a legalistic view of being a disciple could accomplish sanctification, but faithfulness could. When we set our eyes on God, we lovingly connect with His character, which is simply full of goodness! When you cherish something with the entire capacity of your heart, you begin to embody it. My advice to you when striving to bear the desirable fruit of the Spirit is Galatians 5:16, 18, and 22: Walk by the Spirit, be led by the Spirit, and live by the Spirit. Leaning wholeheartedly towards the Lord quiets the cravings of our tempted flesh, thus silencing the negative noise that tends to overtake us.
How does one walk by, be led by, and live by the Spirit? How can we bear fruitful characteristics?
Dedicate quality time to God; how you spend this time will look different than others, so find what suits you in your relationship!
Pray often; Make God your best friend, nurturing parent, and effective counselor.
Open your Bible; Learn about God, and let God teach you about yourself!
Be intentional with your words, thoughts, and actions; attempt to glorify God in all things!
We were never told this life would be easy and happy-go-lucky, but God is still good amidst the madness. We have been granted serenity and freedom from the heaviness that would otherwise cause our flesh to waver. I hope you are living out what has been promised to you!
Gratitude List:
Developing friendships through my involvement with my church. I appreciate meeting people and inviting one another into our spiritual journeys, as well as supporting one another as we enter new seasons!
Engagement and wedding season are apparently among us! I am grateful for those finding their other half to create a life with!
Words of affirmation, speaking them and receiving them.
Love in the purest form. I am beyond thankful for the ability to bond with people and care for one another. It will never cease to amaze me that God loves so deeply that He wants His creation to experience this feeling in each moment, to the most profound extent.
Visiting new H-E-Bs – my husband and I love a good H-E-B or Target trip because there’s always something we could use. So, finding freshly opened H-E-Bs and strolling the aisles of the expansive corporation has been a small thing I cherish!
Another one I am adding on behalf of my husband is an "opportunistic and fruitful summer." The areas of life we have surrendered have been turning out great - thanks to God!
