Keep in step

"The fruit of the Spirit is love, joy, peace, patience, kindness, goodness, faithfulness, gentleness and self-control. Since we live by the Spirit, let us keep in step with the Spirit." Galatians 5:22,23,25

"Tis' the season to be jolly" is a familiar phrase that we sing this time of year and for some, due to the economy, sickness, death, etc..., it's not such a time to be jolly. I'm reminded this morning that even though we have to go through life and all of it's frustrations, disappointments, let downs, difficulties, etc... we "Christians" have a way of overcoming those sad, ugly, lowly, dark times. We are to "keep in step with the Spirit" and God gives us the joy, peace, faithfulness and love that we need in our lives today. I like what Eugene Peterson said about this scripture, he says, "but what happens when we live God's way is 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. Since this is the kind of life we have chosen, the life of the Spirit, let us make sure that we do not just hold it as an idea in our heads or a sentiment in our hearts, but work out its implications in every detail of our lives."

The Bible tells us in the book of Romans 8:1,2 "there is now no condemnation for those who are in Christ Jesus, because through Christ Jesus the law of the Spirit of life set me free from the law of sin and death." This is GOOD NEWS for those that have Jesus! The greatest joy that we can have is the joy of our Salvation and that Salvation came about by the blood of Jesus Christ. It is because of Him that we can be jolly this season, no matter what the circumstance in our lives!

Let me encourage you today to "keep in step with the Spirit" by praying, fasting, reading the Word of God everyday so that your fruit can come forth and be ripe before a world that is rotten. Be blessed in the Lord in your walk everyday!