About a year ago, Pastor Seth did a sermon series on the fruit of the Spirit. I've spent much of the last year contemplating those messages and how I show, or fail to show, the fruit of the Spirit. Let’s be reminded what Scripture says.
Galatians 5:22,23 says " 22But the fruit of the Spirit is love, joy, peace, forbearance, kindness, goodness, faithfulness, 23gentleness and self-control. Against such things there is no law."
It’s important to remember that this isn’t a list of individual traits that one may show in their Christian walk, but all together represent the visible walk and outward faith of the believer. Now, that being said, as important as it is to remember, it’s also important to catch ourselves when we forget.
Several days ago, there was a relatively publicized issue on TV. Sportscaster Thom Brennaman uttered a derogatory term when a microphone was still on. Later in the broadcast, he apologized and cited his faith as a reason he should know better. Of course, people chastised him for invoking his faith. I was one of them. I thought, “I’m tired of these guys who say these things trying to stand behind their faith after the fact…” Well, quickly I was reminded I was no better. The next day I was ending a phone call with a woman who had been rude to me and frustrated me with an issue concerning my work. As I was hanging up, I muttered a derogatory term. I was alone in my car, and who would ever hear me? Well, it turns out I hadn’t hung up the call yet when I made the comment. I don’t know if the woman heard me or not, but that’s the problem. What if she did? She knows my name and now my reputation may have taken a hit.
I also know this about myself. When I’m around certain people, my language may not be what it should be. I may feel comfortable with those people to say things you wouldn’t hear me say on a Sunday morning. Now here’s the dilemma; which is the real me? The guy who is comfortable around his friends to say bad things? Or the guy who can pull it together on a Sunday morning to check my language?
I’m going to challenge you all, and most importantly myself, to spend time with Colossians 3. In this case, pay particularly close attention to verse 8, but spend time on the entire chapter. Be honest with yourself as you read this chapter. Let it convict you of the things that happen around your friends or coworkers. Let us all be better bearers of fruit!
