Fruits and Roots
“So I say, walk by the Spirit, and you will not gratify the desires of the flesh. For the flesh desires what is contrary to the Spirit, and the Spirit what is contrary to the flesh. They are in conflict with each other, so that you are not to do whatever you want. But if you are led by the Spirit, you are not under the law. The acts of the flesh are obvious: sexual immorality, impurity and debauchery; idolatry and witchcraft; hatred, discord, jealousy, fits of rage, selfish ambition, dissensions, factions and envy; drunkenness, orgies, and the like. I warn you, as I did before, that those who live like this will not inherit the kingdom of God. But the fruit of the Spirit is love, joy, peace, forbearance, kindness, goodness, faithfulness, gentleness and self-control. Against such things there is no law. Those who belong to Christ Jesus have crucified the flesh with its passions and desires. Since we live by the Spirit, let us keep in step with the Spirit. Gal 16 v 16 - 25
God put it on my heart to examine our character to see if we were reflecting Christ in our daily lives. Our character and countenance is very important to God, and determined by whether we reflect the fruits of the spirit. A good tree cannot bear bad fruit, and a bad tree cannot bear good fruit. Every tree that does not bear good fruit is cut down andthrown into the fire. Thus, by their fruit you will recognize them (Matt 7 v 18 – 20).
For fruit trees to grow, mature, and bear fruit, they need to have deep roots and good soil. In the parable of the sower (Matthew 13 v 3 – 8) Jesus tells us where we sow our seeds is important as too whether it survives and if it produces fruit. In other words, how we respond to situations in life determines our character and the fruits we produce. As a counselor I see many clients choosing to allow their experiences to dictate how they view life. They fail to see that the soil in which they have rooted themselves is contaminated by the world. “The seed falling among the thorns refers to someone who hears the word, but the worries of this life and the deceitfulness of wealth choke the word, making it unfruitful” (Matthew 13 v 22)
Where you plant yourself will determine what kind of fruit you produce. Fruit trees with poor roots in bad soil survive, but produce fruit that look good on the outside but are tasteless on the inside. Likewise many Christians seem to have it all together, but when you get to know them you realize they are broken on the inside. Therefore, “let your roots grow down into him, and let your lives be built on him. Then your faith will grow strong in the truth you were taught, and you will overflow with thankfulness” (Col 2 v 7).
Where are your roots planted?
