RD 101 - LESSON #66 - The Fruits

by Jack Eberle
Someone trying to live for the Lord was heard to say that living for the Lord was like a bowl of cherries.  I don’t understand exactly what he meant.  It did make me think, however, that His Words commands His believers to exhibit the fruits of the Spirit in his life.  The question here, as always, must be answered by His Word.  Someone might take the attitude that “Hey, I’m saved, so what difference does it make.”  If we read Romans 8:7, we see that “the carnal mind is enmity against God”. That means that the mind purely in the flesh cares nothing for Him or His will.  The carnal, earthly, fleshly mind cares for nothing but itself.  No one is unhappier!  You see that guy with the scowl, griping and complaining.  You say, “Maybe he is justified in his scowling.”  Of course, most of us have our poor moments.  Going the other way is called walking “…after the Spirit” in Romans 12:1.  To get even more on the plus side, a serious quest for the fruits of the Spirit are found in Galatians 5:22-23.  They are “…love, joy, peace, long-suffering, gentleness, goodness, faith, meekness, temperance: against such there is no law! Sounds like a good state to be in! Think of these coming from a human being.  Astounding!
    Are these people who live that way “happy”? See Psalm 144:15. Well, if that doesn’t work for you, read and reread Philippians 4:4.  You can’t rejoice “in the Lord” with a carnal mind.  See Philippians 2:5. If you want to live Phil. 4:4, you can’t do it without the Lord. Remember the vine of John 15:5.  The closer to being around the vine, the greater the fruit.  Chances are you will not be counting “fruit”.  You will be living fruit by hanging around the Vine because He is the vine. Start personalizing His Word. After all, it is to you and for you.  Rejoice in it and work to build your life around it. Your vista will change.  Your vision will grow clearer and the vision further. His spotlight will be lighting your path.  The mind of Christ will increasingly direct your mind.  His light will clear the path.  Today’s problems will become tomorrow’s solutions.  You may not be heralded by earthly acquaintances, but your visions of His domain will become clearer and more visible.  See I Corinthians 13:12.
    Read Romans 8 again. Watch your proceeding along the road of the Spirit! While you walk with the Lord, do not expect that you will be unopposed. Remember there is only one way that you can please him, and that is to follow His ways, for He is THE WAY, THE TRUTH, and THE LIFE.  Love of Him should grow to love of others.  The Spirit will take you in the path.  Read Eph. 1:13-20.