Galatians 5:22-23
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.
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.
Sunday morning after church, we got everyone fastened into car seats and started to drive out of the church parking lot. I asked Timothy, “What did you learn in Sunday school today?” He replied, “We learned that you have to listen to GOD (emphasis here on the Father’s name in a dramatic drawl).” “Really?” I quizzed. “Yes!” he continued, “and some people ate the fruit of the tree, and they got in TROUBLE!” Later, when we took the children home, Timothy repeated this story to his mother. But he added… “And the lady and that girl ate the fruit, and they can’t ever go into the jungle again!”
This is what happens when we don’t listen to God! Well, okay… maybe we will still be able to “go into the jungle” – which means that God continues to love us, and we Christians can still enjoy the blessings of Salvation…even when we sin. But this kind of thinking focuses on settling for “adequate” rather than operating in “abundance.” I don’t know about you… but I’d rather have operate in the latter!
Do you really want a life of “good enough”… of barely getting by… of living in the relative drudgery of putting one foot in front of the other each day and doing the same old thing for years on end? I’m not just talking about your physical assets – home, car, clothing and possessions – or your job. I’m also talking about having relationships that are stale – or always in some sort of state of discord or high drama… living with a poor self-image…and worst of all, lacking in joy and confidence with regard to your relationship with the Holy Spirit… or feeling like you don’t even have a relationship with the Holy Spirit in the first place.
When we live God’s way, scripture describes how all sorts of things come into full view for us… how we find ourselves feeling more complete and satisfied… functioning at a higher level in all areas of life. My dad would call this “running on all cylinders”… and hopefully you get this picture! God has perfect plans for each of us. All we have to do is seek them – and follow through! Clearly, our little four-year-old has a few things to learn yet about sin and disobedience… or does he? I don’t know about you, but I don’t want to chance being exiled from the “jungle” of God’s gifts forever.
Will you listen to GOD and live His way? Aren’t you ready to experience His peace? Are you ready to eat the “good fruit” He wishes to give you? Isn’t today the perfect time to begin?
©2013 Debbie Robus
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