I came across this leftover slice of tomato in the fridge. Originally it was meant for a hamburger, but it sat forgotten in the fridge for two weeks. Now it is growing white fuzz!
Nasty!!
Fruits/vegetables are meant to be consumed.
Their entire purpose is to be eaten … so that they may nourish and sustain life.
If we let them sit … they will grow fuzz!
Do we think of the Fruit of the Spirit in the same way? The Fruit of the Spirit is meant to be consumed … to nourish and sustain life … NOT to simply sit around and look attractive.
* The Love which God produces in our lives is meant to nourish our own souls … AND it’s also meant to be given away to provide life and nourishment for others!
* The Peace which God produces in our lives is meant to keep us mentally, emotionally, and spiritually healthy and strong … AND it’s meant to bring emotional health and life to every situation we are part of.
* The Patience which God produces in our lives … the Joy God gives us … God’s Kindness in and through us … the entire purpose of this “fruit” is to be consumed, to be given away, to be used up!
* The Goodness of God … His Gentleness flowing through our lives to others … is to bring mental and emotional wellness.
* Faithfulness … being able to the counted on … will bring the flourishing of life to those we interact with.
* Just as fruits/vegetables are full of antioxidants to prevent free-radical damage … so also Self-Control does the same thing mentally, emotionally, spiritually!
In Isaiah 1:13-14 God says:
“Stop bringing meaningless offerings! Your incense is detestable to me. New Moons, Sabbaths and convocations – I cannot bear your evil assemblies. Your New Moon festivals and your appointed feasts my soul hates. They have become a burden to Me; I am weary of bearing them.”
In Amos 5:21-23 God says:
“I hate, I despise your religious feasts; I cannot stand your assemblies. Even though you bring Me burnt offerings and grain offerings, I will not accept them. Though you bring choice fellowship offerings, I will have no regard for them. Away with the noise of your songs! I will not listen to the music of your harps.”
It seems “in vogue” to bring our Fruit of the Spirit to church each Sunday to show off … as if we are trying to win some sort of prize at the fair for the best fruit.
But in reality … that fruit is covered with white fuzz! It’s nasty!!
The fruit of righteousness which God produces in our lives is meant to be consumed … to bring life and nourishment to the world around us!
So what about you?? What is your fruit like??
