18 Oct 07 Fresh Fruit

Most of us can rattle them off as answers on a test.

Love

Joy

Peace

Patience

Kindness

Goodness

Faithfulness

Gentleness

Self-Control

We’ve sat through (or preached) the sermons that painstakingly, meticulously defined each and every fruit as if it were wedged between microscope slides.

But even though I’ve sat through and preached the fruit I still struggle seeing this fruit as a manifestation of the indwelling Spirit and constant reality of my spiritual life.

I want to give myself a pass and say nonsense like "no one’s perfect" or "we all fall short" or "just try harder next time".

The truth is when love, joy, peace, patience, kindness, goodness, faithfulness, gentleness AND self-control are not "everpresent" it’s just further evidence of my sinful selfishness.

Spiritual maturity is all about this fruit becoming a daily reality.

Spiritual leadership (and those mature enough to serve) must be determined by this same reality.

In fact, I’m understanding more and more how everything in our Christian life and experience must be viewed through the lens of love, joy, peace, patience, kindness, goodness, faithfulness, gentleness AND self-control.