DAILY DEVOTION: "Two Lists"

Day 48: Two Lists

Scripture: (Galatians 5:19-24) Now the works of the flesh are evident: sexual immorality, impurity, sensuality, idolatry, sorcery, enmity, strife, jealousy, fits of anger, rivalries, dissensions, divisions, envy, drunkenness, orgies, and things like these. I warn you, as I warned you before, that those who do such things will not inherit the kingdom of God. But the fruit of the Spirit is love, joy, peace, patience, kindness, goodness, faithfulness, gentleness, self-control; against such things there is no law. And those who belong to Christ Jesus have crucified the flesh with its passions and desires.

Author: Adam Jeffers

I have always enjoyed lists. Knowing what to do next and how to evaluate the results of action has always been something that I have found necessary. Paul gives the Galatians two lists that provide concrete examples of what is expected of citizens of the Kingdom of God. In one list, He highlights the negative qualities and activities that appeal to someone that seeks worldly pleasure, power, and prestige. Paul points out that these desires are not in line with the kingdom of God.

Then Paul discusses the fruit of the Spirit and how they identify citizens of the Kingdom. If we are careful, we can dodge this list of expectations and only see them as guidelines and not evaluation criteria for a life with Christ. This list of love, joy, peace, patience, kindness, goodness, faithfulness, gentleness, and self-control holds a mirror up to our lives and shows us what is expected of a Christian.

Things become practical when we look at these lists and compare them to how we live our lives. When people think about us do they see a “peace that passes understanding” and the “joy of the Lord being our strength” or do they see us as people that focus on a world that offers power and prestige?

I try to evaluate myself against these lists and always come up short. The lists help me focus on the requirement that the goal of following Jesus is to become more like Jesus every day. To change my focus from what matters to the world to what matters to those with eternal hope.

Practical Exercise: When you read this write down the Fruits of the spirit and then mark where you think you are doing good and bad. Then get a trusted confidant and listen to their feedback on which Fruits, they think you demonstrate. Next, pray together and help each other overcome difficulties, and rejoice in blessings together.