Fruit Vs. Works

Now the works of the flesh are evident, which are: adultery, fornication, uncleanness, lewdness, idolatry, sorcery, hatred, contentions, jealousies, outbursts of wrath, selfish ambitions, dissensions, heresies, envy, murders, drunkenness, revelries, and the like; of which I tell you beforehand, just as I also told you in time past, that those who practice such things will not inherit the kingdom of God. But the fruit of the Spirit is love, joy, peace, longsuffering, kindness, goodness, faithfulness, gentleness, self-control. Against such there is no law. Galatians 5:19-23

There are two ways we can go about life, two ways we can operate, two paths that we can follow. There are only two paths, there is not a third. One of the ways the Bible refers to these two paths is the “fruit of the spirit” and the other is the “works of the flesh”.

The fruit of the spirit refers to what is naturally produced when we are connected to God and allow His life to flow through us. There is no straining or struggling. It is a quiet, almost effortless process that just happens when the right ingredients are present. There is a natural and supernatural by-product.

The works of the flesh refers to what we produce on our own apart from God. These are works. MANufactured. Rather than quiet and effortless; it is a grind, it is loud, and it is hard.

When we are living life the way we were meant to; in a loving relationship with the Lord, then we experience what only God can produce. We operate in His resources not just our own. Life becomes more enjoyable, more fruitful, more powerful, and more purposeful.

When we are relying on ourselves and seeking our own desires apart from God, then life becomes darker, heavier, and emptier. Although we may receive some immediate gratification, we will also carry the burden of self-sufficiency. If we seek to attain something on our own, then we will also have to maintain it on our own, and the maintenance will kill us.

Today’s prayer: “Lord help me to put you first in my life and seek Your will and Your glory over mine.”

Keep looking up,
Pastor Gary