07-04-20

ECCLESIOLOGICAL ETCHINGS
July 4, 2020
Scripture: Galatians 5:25
If we live by the Spirit, let us also be guided by the Spirit.

Thought for the Day: As we read this verse, let us place the emphasis on the most important word in the passage. It is not the word SPIRIT, but the word IF. If we live by the Spirit, we should also be guided by the Spirit. But is it possible that many who claim a life guided by the Spirit never allowed themselves to first live by the Spirit? And if that’s the case, what exactly is guiding their lives? A few verses earlier, Paul listed the Fruit of the Spirit – love, joy, peace, patience, kindness, generosity, faithfulness, gentleness and self-control. A life that is first lived by the Spirit, and then guided by the Spirit, will manifest itself in the Fruit of the Spirit. It’s sort of a test. If the Fruit my life is producing resembles bitterness, resentment, anger, bigotry, hostility, greed, negativity or violence, then any claim my life is guided by the Spirit is probably bogus because clearly there is no life being lived by the Spirit.

Prayer: Holy God, as one who desires to be guided by your Spirit, I know I must come to know your Spirit and to allow myself to live by that Spirit. My life must be rooted in this Gift if I am ever to produce the Fruit so desperately needed in our world today. Amen.

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