Day 6-Holiness
Yesterday’s devotion, was based on Romans 5:1-5. To actively seek The Lord in crisis produces perseverance…perseverance produces hope…our hope in Christ alone brings about holiness through the work of The Holy Spirit in our lives.
Today, Let’s continue the theme of holiness…
As you have traveled this Faith Journey with me, on Days 1-5, I shared how God was beginning to teach me His character and develop that character in me. It was and is an active ongoing process between the two of us.
Let me try to explain it this way…I can describe to you the most gorgeous place on this earth. I can even show you pictures. You might grasp some of what I am trying my best to explain. But, if I take you there you can truly experience it. You can grasp the beauty, the awe, the smells, the sights, and the sounds for yourself. Then and only then, will you fully understand.
In the same way, we cannot experience the character of God that produces holiness without Him taking us there. Most often we learn who He is down in the valleys of life. The difficulties, hardships, sicknesses, loss, and so on define our walk with Christ like nothing else ever could. I could not experience the peace of God until I desperately NEEDED His all-consuming peace to flood the deepest part of my anguish. I learned perseverance with each new diagnosis. My hope came out of my perseverance. I began to grasp His goodness because of who He is and not just what he does.
Re-read James 1:1-5 from yesterday’s devotion:
“Consider it pure joy, my brothers and sisters, whenever you face trials of many kinds, because you know that the testing of your faith produces perseverance(patience). Let perseverance finish its work so that you may be mature and complete, not lacking anything.” James 1:2-4 (emphasis mine)
Take a look at Galatians 5:22-2:
But the fruit of the Spirit is love, joy, peace, patience, kindness, goodness, faithfulness, gentleness, and self-control against such things there is no law.” Galatians 5:22-23
Here’s the deal—The characteristics of God produced in our lives do not happen overnight. Oh, how I wish they did. Fruit does not grow over-night. It’s a process, right?! Therefore, the work of the Holy Spirit is to make us Christ-like. To become Christ-like (holy) is an ongoing, growing process.
Galatians lays out the 9 “fruit of the Spirit.” Notice it does not say “fruits of the Spirit.” Why? Because they are one unit. To be holy as Christ is holy means to exhibit all 9 “fruit“ simultaneously. In order for that to happen, The Lord will help us work out each of the“fruit” individually before they can be displayed through our lives as one unit.
When (not if)The Lord allows trial in our lives, He is building a foundation of trust and dependence on Him that develop holy characteristics in our lives.
Your homework today is to trace the work of the Holy Spirit in your life. Write the circumstance and/or the scripture The Lord used to help produce the “fruit of the Spirit”…His character…his holiness in your life.
(Galatians 5:22-23″)
Love—
Joy—
Peace—
Patience (endurance or perseverance)—
Kindness–
Goodness—
Faithfulness—
Gentleness—
Self-control—
It’s okay if your “fruit” is still in the ripening process. Remember, we are all a work in progress. God is refining us…strengthening us…teaching us…sanctifying us…molding us to His likeness.
Pray that The Lord will continue to reveal Himself to you in a powerful way. We are meant to “display” Jesus for others to see. Take care of and cultivate your fruit of the Spirit today.
In the coming days, I will share Ryan’s diagnosis that changed everything…The Lord was building a foundation of faith in my life SO THAT I could accept what He was about to reveal.
Praying for you. Onward, my sister!
