Galatians 5:22-24
But what happens when we live God’s way? 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.
Legalism is helpless in bringing this about; it only gets in the way. Among those who belong to Christ, everything connected with getting our own way and mindlessly responding to what everyone else calls necessities is killed off for good—crucified.
Scripture quotations from The Message. © 1993, 1994, 1995, 1996, 2000, 2001, 2002 by Eugene Peterson. Used by permission of NavPress, Colorado Springs, CO. All rights reserved.
Timothy is learning about rewards and consequences. When he eats all of his dinner, a “treat” afterward is often offered. Last night it was ice cream and a small piece of chocolate. Sometimes it is a special video or a trip to the park. And this morning, I surprised him with a big fat marshmallow – one of his favorite treats – because he had been polite, obedient, and well-mannered. I hope he and his siblings will learn to develop patience, compassion, and an innate sense of holiness. Last week during his birthday party (which happened to be on Mother’s Day), Timothy climbed the ladder to his little slide, stopped and said, “Hey, Happy Mother’s Day everyone!” I count that a victory… an unforced expression of love and kindness that was followed a few minutes later by an unprompted “Thanks for telling me ‘Happy Birthday,’ guys!”
Every day is different, and today, Timothy wanted to be a superhero. He asked for a cape and a mask, and I tied a kitchen towel around his neck and gave him a quickly-fashioned paper eye mask. He was delighted. He didn’t need a fancy, store-bought costume. He was every much “Super Timmy” in his home-made duds. All the television commercials in the world for fancy toys and wacky-flavored cereals cannot compete with a quick home-made costume and a marshmallow for this kid!
Let’s be honest… not all four-year-old boys develop patience, kindness, and a loving heart and spirit so early. And in any given minute, Timothy is anything but all of these things - because he is only four and still learning. In fact, he had a "meltdown" as I wrote this, because I would not produce another marshmallow on demand! Sadly, many forty-year-old (or older) men and women behave in much the same way! They still have not developed a heart for the “fruits of the Spirit”… they operate in the things of this world – the unwritten laws which dictate that we must have this or that… and everything should always go our way! So they experience all sorts of dilemmas and challenges… debt, disappointment, lack of respect in the home and workplace, frustration, failed relationships, and a reputation for being disagreeable or a hothead, just to name a few. Worse yet, many people fail to receive all of the good gifts that God wishes to send their way. Like a little boy who didn’t eat his dinner or couldn’t play nicely, there is no “treat” or surprise.
When we fully experience a transformation from the ways of this world to a life in Christ… when we allow the Holy Spirit to have complete authority over our heart… we are forever changed. And everyone notices. We operate from a totally different perspective than other people. We are kinder and more patient… we have more compassion for others and the circumstances of the world… and we operate with a sense of inner peace and calm in even the craziest and most challenging situations. And God responds by blessing us beyond what we could ever have hoped or imagined.
I don’t know about you, but I want this kind of life… for myself, and for my family and friends. That’s why I am sharing this message with you. I want you to understand what a hope we have in Jesus Christ… how much God wants to give us, if only we will allow Him to fill our heart. When we make serving God – and serving others in His name – second nature, we are free of the world’s “rules” and ways and able to fully experience all that He has in store for us. Won’t you ask God today to help you fill your heart with His Holy Spirit? Won’t you learn to walk in the ways of the LORD and to experience life like never before? Whether you are four or forty-four… or even twice that age… God still has plenty in store for you. Are you ready to receive His good gifts?
©2013 Debbie Robus
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