Good Quality Fruit:
Is this your finest hour? Or your weakest moment?
Do you ever feel like doing whatever you feel like whenever you feel like it?
I’m certain we’ve all felt like that at some time or another.
But, that’s a life shaped by things and feelings instead of by God.
So, what happens when we live God’s way?
Well, with a little help from Eugene Peterson, let’s have a look at what The Message says:
He brings gifts into our lives, much the same way that fruit appears in an orchard – things like affection for others, exuberance about life, serenity. We develop a willingness to stick with things, a sense of compassion in the heart, and a conviction that a basic holiness permeates things and people.
We find ourselves involved in loyal commitments, not needing to force our way in life, able to marshal and direct our energies wisely…
Yet, some may think, okay, it’s easier said than done!!
Others may say, I would definitely generate “good quality fruit” if God were to alter the set of facts and circumstances that surround me!!
What!
Oh-boy, time to backpedal!!!
Do you genuinely believe you would generate “good quality fruit” for God if He were to re-locate you in a better place, or give you a million bucks, or provide you with a new boss, or a more caring family unit, or a larger home, or that fuel efficient car, or some additional playtime?
Nah!
What good would it do to get everything you “want” and lose you, the real you?
Consider this, God has already given you everything you “need” to produce “good quality fruit!”!
That’s right! God knows the best conditions for each one of us.
And growing in those conditions will create the best fruit – making visible the qualities of all who truly walk in the Spirit.
What’s more, everything that goes into a life of pleasing God has been miraculously given to us by getting to know, personally and intimately, the One who invited us to God.
That’s the best invitation we ever received!
So don’t lose a minute in building on what you’ve been given – complementing your basic faith with good character, spiritual understanding, alert discipline, passionate patience, reverent wonder, warm friendliness, and generous love, each dimension fitting into and developing the others.
With these qualities active and growing in your life, no grass will grow under your feet!
But remember, fruit is entirely reliant upon the daily crunch of decision-making.
On account of this, if ever you feel like doing whatever you feel like whenever you feel like it, think again!
Preferably, let the peace of Christ keep us in tune with each other – in step with each other.
None of this going off and doing your own thing.
And cultivate thankfulness.
Remember, living God’s way produces positive results!
Without Him, we can’t produce a thing!
Beyond any doubt, God’s way is best!
Amen? Amen!
David Prince: Full-time Husband To Rachel – Writer Of Stuff – Receiver Of Grace – Drinker Of Tea – & Hearty Neighbour.
Colossians 3:7
Galatians 5:22-23a
Mark 8:36
Jeremiah 29:11
2 Peter 1:3
2 Peter 1:5-8
Colossians 3:15
John 15:5
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