Gal 5.19-26 Now the works of the flesh are manifest, which are [these]; Adultery, fornication, uncleanness, lasciviousness, Idolatry, witchcraft, hatred, variance, emulations, wrath, strife, seditions, heresies, Envyings, murders, drunkenness, revellings, and such like: of the which I tell you before, as I have also told [you] in time past, that they which do such things shall not inherit the kingdom of God. But the fruit of the Spirit is love, joy, peace, longsuffering, gentleness, goodness, faith, Meekness, temperance: against such there is no law. And they that are Christ’s have crucified the flesh with the affections and lusts. If we live in the Spirit, let us also walk in the Spirit. Let us not be desirous of vain glory, provoking one another, envying one another.
It has been said that one of the marks of spiritual maturity is when our involuntary response to temptation, trials or attacks by others is a godly one. To say the least, that does not describe me yet. That is what I desire, but “my old man” is still alive and kickin’ more than I would want to admit. So here is what this mornings devotional is all about. Ready? When you are confronted with a temptation, trial or personal attack, would you say that you are characteristically a reactor or a responder. Not sure how to answer? Let me help you dear ones.
Read the list of the works of the flesh and the fruit of The Spirit. The works of the flesh describes how we react to temptation, trial or personal attack. The fruit of The Spirit describes a godly response to temptation, trial or personal attacks. Pretty cut and dry, isn’t it? So, as we go about our day today, we are going to encounter a certain amount of people, and more than likely be engaged in a certain amount of discussions or situations. We will either be reactors in the flesh or responders in the Spirit. The consequences or either choice we make are vastly different, aren’t they. When we react in the flesh, there is a lot of damage control that will need to be done if we intend to grow in Christ. Because if I regard iniquity in my heart, my fellowship with Jesus is hindered and my prayer life in of no avail. However, if my response to these things is a Spirit filled, godly one, the fruit of that response is life and peace despite what others may say or do.
Beloved, may the grace of God through Jesus Christ enable us to be responders more than reactors. Responding to the higher law of love is more profitable than the devilish consequence of reacting in the flesh.
