Bearing Fruit

DEVOTION
GALATIONS
BEARING FRUIT
Gal 5:22-24
22 But the fruit of the Spirit is love, joy, peace, patience, kindness, goodness, faithfulness, 23 gentleness and self-control. Against such things there is no law.
NIV
It does all boil down to bearing fruit. The result of walking, living, step by step with the Spirit is the behaviors which are listed here. I am always amazed when I refer to the Greek and explore the definitions of those words. If I am walking with the Spirit I will experience a love feast. I will be prosperous in my spirit and have moral excellence or demeanor. There will be virtue within me. I will have a solid conviction regarding my belief in the Son of God. I will have a true sense of humility and will be able to control my own self. These traits are not something God simply gives, but I must bear them as a tree bears its fruit. They grow on me as a result of my roots being deep into the stream of living waters, and my branches spread out soaking up the rays of the Son. I think one of the great truths which was revealed to me was this fruit which I must bear is not for the benefit of myself but rather for the benefit of others who can come along and pick and enjoy the fruit I bear. This carries with it a tremendous responsibility. If I am to be an active member in the body of Christ I am obligated to grow into a strong mature fruit bearing tree. I need to be a person who as a result of the Spirit dwelling within me exhibits those qualities of character so others may receive the benefit of them. It truly requires me to deny my own self and selfish ambitions. I should even not think that by my bearing this fruit others will think well of me, but rather they should think well of Jesus. This is by far a difficult task. It does require effort on my part. An effort to give in to the Spirit because he is a gentleman and does not force his will upon me and make me bear this fruit. I need to submit to his work within me. I must be the one who sends my roots into the word. I must be the one who spreads out my mind, my spirit and soaks up the truth from God, listening to his still small voice instead of the screaming sounds of the world and of my own self. It is my decision to allow him to bring about change in me. I would think after all these years I would have had all the change which is required and I would have all of the fruit in fullness for others to enjoy. But, alas, I still need more change; I cannot lie to myself and deceive myself of my perfection. But I do thank God for all he has done for me and for all he is doing in me and for those things he does through me, even in my imperfect state. I do need more of the Spirit so I will bear more fruit.