Becomming Devo #3

Read Galatians 5:16-18.

Can you relate to what Paul is saying here? Do you ever feel like there is a war going on in your heart and mind? If you’re like every other Christian in the world, you are constantly faced with a choice: Do you listen to the Holy Spirit—who lives in you—or that other voice that leads you to do things you know are wrong? Paul calls that voice your sin nature. Let’s face it . . . no matter how long you’ve been a follower of Christ, you still have a part of you that leans towards sin. Unfortunately, this is your spiritual inheritance from Adam and Eve. (Yeah, yeah, yeah. You’re thinking, “Thanks, a lot you two . . .”)

Read Galatians 5:19-21.

Just in case you were unsure, Paul outlines some of what the sinful nature looks like. This list isn’t very pretty, is it? Keep in mind that Paul was writing to the Galatians. Their culture was pretty raunchy. Among other things, there was no real push for people to be sexually moral. So Paul had to help these Galatians who had become Christians understand what a Christian did and didn’t do. Even though it was written 2,000 years ago, the list is still pretty relevant today, isn’t it?

So, Paul tells you what to avoid. But what does he say you should strive for? Read on . . .

Read Galatians 5:22-25.

This is good stuff. These attributes—love, joy, peace, patience, kindness, goodness, faithfulness, gentleness, and self-control—are literally a sign of God in you. Paul calls these attributes the “fruit of the Spirit.” Just as an apple tree produces apples, you will produce these fruits if you have the Holy Spirit in you. Look at your life. Do you see these attributes in action? If not, maybe
you need to spend some time focusing on how you can put yourself in a position to let the Spirit lead you. Pray that the Holy Spirit will be so active in you that others can’t help but see fruit.

The way you live your life is incredibly important. You can show the world through your actions that God lives in you and that you serve Him.