Evidence of LIFE in Christ

Galatians 5:22, 23, 25
But the fruit of the Spirit is love, joy, peace, patience, kindness, goodness, faithfulness, gentleness and self-control ... Since we live by the Spirit, let us keep in step with the Spirit.

Reading an article by Rick Warren, I'm reminded that because of who we are naturally, living a life that bears fruit for Christ takes work. Rick encourages us with these words, "There's really no secret to developing ... fruits of the Spirit. Just remember two things - your process in developing these fruits is a partnership with God and it takes time."

In Galatians 5:25, we're told we need to live by the Spirit by keeping in step with him. Keeping with the analogy of walking with God, the Psalmist gives us clues on how to do that: "Thy word is a lamp unto my feet, and a light unto my path."

Having been in the corporate world for 23 years, I found that the Bible was the best of management books and is an incredible handbook for life. But, reading the Bible, and living it takes effort. Paul tells us to "work out" our salvation in Philippians 2. Living a LIFE which evidences love, joy, peace, patience, kindness, and the other fruits of the Spirit is a spiritual workout - it requires exercise. From dictionary.com, ex·er·cise [ek-ser-sahyz] - to put (faculties, rights, etc.) into action, practice, or use.

The comforting thing is that the Spirit is our "trainer" in this workout. Philippians 1:6 has always been an encouraging verse to me, "... being confident of this, that he who began a good work in you will carry it on to completion until the day of Christ Jesus." God is faithful.
Practice living LIFE like Jesus today!