Sometimes I’m curious what I look like spiritually. If someone was going to put a “spiritual microscope” to my body, what would they discover? Do I actually posses the Fruit of the Spirit? It’s so easy to get caught up in the world that I lack the Fruit. I know that I’m horrible at patience. I’ve gotten much better since my freshman year of high school (I’m a junior in college). It’s easy to complain when I’m in a long line at a grocery store or fast food place. I also need to work on goodness. Sometimes the things that come out of my mouth aren’t that good!
Story behind my blog name & title of this blog: Matthew 7:16 says it all “By their fruit you will recognize them…” Now if you’re not a Christian, you’re probably wondering “What is she talking about? FRUIT?! Like fruit you buy in a store?!” No, not that kind of fruit. In Galations 5:22 it says, “But the fruit of the Spirit is love, joy, peace, patience, kindness, goodness, faithfulness, gentleness & self-control. Above such things there is no law. ” In this case, the things listed are known as fruit! When I read the verse in Matthew it really hit me. I thought, “If someone put me next to someone who wasn’t a Christian…could they tell that I was a Christian?” I want people to know that I am a Christian even if I don’t have to tell them. This blog is about well, blogging my journey. But not only is about me ranting about what God has spoke to me but it’s also here to share with you how we can change our lives & really produce good fruit 🙂 We want people to say “Oh yeah, that Sarah girl…She is a Christian! Just look how happy she is waiting in such a long line!” Sounds crazy but it’s true!
What God has to say: Trust me on this…when we live with the fruit of the Spirit dwelling in us & being practiced on a daily basis, we WILL live a great life. Tonight at bible study we talked about 3 of the Fruits.
Self-control- 1 Peter 1:13-16 “Therefore, with minds that are alert and fully sober, set your hope on the grace to be brought to you when Jesus Christ is revealed at his coming. As obedient children, do not conform to the evil desires you had when you lived in ignorance. But just as he who called you is holy, so be holy in all you do; for it is written: ‘Be holy, because I am holy.'” Trust me on this. It’s so hard not conforming to evil desires! But as Christians we really need on working on self-control. It’s going to be tough but we can do it. Even if that means watching what you see on TV, what you listen to, or who you hang out. Sounds like a crappy life. It’s not!
Goodness-Matthew 12:35 “A good man brings good things out of the good stored up in him, and an evil man brings evil things out of the evil stored up in him.” Goodness will flow from you if you store good things in you! I know personally I want to be self-controlled and watch what comes out my mouth. I want good things to flow not gossip!
Joy-1 Thessalonians 5:16-18 “Be joyful always, pray continually. In everything give thanks; for this is God’s will for you in Jesus Christ.” So hard to be joyful when you’re suffering. But God is our strength (Nehemiah 8:10).
Challenge: I know I want to work on those three things. Who is with me? I really want people to know I am a Christian! I want people to notice a girl on fire for Christ by my fruit.
-Sarah
--by their fruit-- 