Ignorance or Fruit

 

Galatians 5:16-17

But I say, walk by the Spirit, and you will not gratify the desires of the flesh. For the desires of the flesh are against the Spirit, and the desires of the Spirit are against the flesh, for these are opposed to each other, to keep you from doing the things you want to do.

Galatians 5:22-23

But the fruit of the Spirit is love, joy, peace, patience, kindness, goodness, faithfulness, gentleness, self-control; against such things there is no law.

John 15:8

By this my Father is glorified, that you bear much fruit and so prove to be my disciples.

Should we walk through life  ignorant of ourselves and whether we are living contrary to the love and will of God? 

Do we rejoice always or are we burdened and beaten down by sorrow? 

Do we have a praying spirit or a dead, lifeless one?

Do we praise God in all trials or constantly murmur, complain, fret and respond with impatience?

If we are honest with ourselves, we know if we are being stubborn, selfish, prideful and easily provoked to anger or whether we are kind, peaceful, gentle, selfless and content. Whether we are honest with ourselves or not, most importantly God knows and others can clearly tell as well.

The difference between the two temperaments is directly related to our daily relationship with Christ. Are we praying, spending time in His word, allowing Him to search our hearts so we can repent of any sin there? When we do, we are able to walk in the fruit of His Spirit (love, joy, peace, patience, kindness, goodness, gentleness and self-control) 

We have a choice each day.

Either walk in the darkness of our self-focused nature, or walk in the fruit of Christ’s truth and love. 

His way is always the best way.