READING: Exodus 1-3, Galatians 5
I love it when the Scriptures simply lead us to review our lives. The teachings of the Word are often so clear that all we can do is evaluate ourselves in the light of those teachings under the leadership of the Spirit. That’s the case with Galatians 5, where Paul clearly shows us the difference between living according to the unredeemed flesh or living according to the Spirit:
Now the works of the flesh are obvious: sexual immorality, moral impurity, promiscuity, idolatry, sorcery, hatreds, strife, jealousy, outbursts of anger, selfish ambitions, dissensions, factions, envy, drunkenness, carousing, and anything similar. I am warning you about these things—as I warned you before—that those who practice such things will not inherit the kingdom of God.
But the fruit of the Spirit is love, joy, peace, patience, kindness, goodness, faithfulness, gentleness, and self-control. The law is not against such things. (Gal 5:19-23)
I read these descriptions today, and I’m reminded of this simple but powerful truth: apart from the Spirit of God in our lives, we would all live according to the flesh. Not everyone who is unsaved shows evidence of every sin listed in verses 19-21, but all of us apart from Christ follow the ways of the world. When God’s Spirit takes up residence in us, however, everything changes. Our redeemed hearts, thoughts, and attitudes show that we are God’s children.
Today, this text reminds me that my life as a believer is to show the characteristics of verses 22-23. May God continually move my heart in that direction!
PRAYER: “Father, let the fruit of the Spirit be evident in my life today. .”
TOMORROW’S READING: Exodus 4-6, Galatians 6
