“Examine yourselves to see if your faith is really genuine. Test yourselves. If you cannot tell that Jesus Christ is among you, it means you have failed the test.” 2 Corinthians 13:5
Sinning comes natural to us. It does not require any effort on our part. It provides temporary satisfaction, leading us to always want and need more.
But beyond our sinful nature comes a deeper realm of living. It is called living in the Spirit. My friends, Jesus is among those who live in the Spirit. He is evident in every part of their lives. Their thoughts, attitudes, actions, intentions, impulses, motives, and the fruit their lives produce.
-Love, joy, peace, patience, kindness, goodness, faithfulness, gentleness, and self-control.
When we examine ourselves what do we see more of, the fruits of the Spirit or the desires of our sinful nature that we listed out yesterday?
“But those who are controlled by the Holy Spirit think about things that please the Spirit.” Romans 8:5
Not only do we think about things that please the Spirit, but those of us who belong to Christ have nailed the passions and desires of our sinful nature to the cross and have crucified them there. (Galatians 5:24)
I think it is so important when examining ourselves that we look at our actions and thoughts and evaluate them according to the Word of God.
For example if the Holy Spirit is in control of our lives, if our faith is really genuine, then we will follow the Holy Spirit’s leading in every part of our lives. We will not become conceited, or irritate one another, or be jealous of one another. (Galatians 5:25-26)
I truly believe with all of my heart, that when Christ is in us and our faith is genuine we will have a radical change take place within us. We will not desire ANYTHING that this world offers. We will pursue Christ daily, we will have a longing and hunger to be with Him and to know Him. For then our lives will produce the fruits of the Spirit because we are connected to the vine.
“Remain in me, and I will remain in you. For a branch cannot produce fruit if it is severed from the vine, and you cannot be fruitful apart from me. Yes, I am the vine; you are the branches. Those who remain in me, and I in them, will produce much fruit. For apart from me you can do nothing.” John 15:4-5
Are you connected to the vine? What fruits do you see the Spirit producing in you?
Prayer: Lord make it known to us today what our lives are producing. I pray for a radical change to begin in the lives of those who are severed from Your vine. Thank You for filling us with the Spirit. May He lead us every second of our lives. Amen
