I subscribe to a daily devotional that comes from my college pastor, Blake McKinney. If you were around in those days, you know that I pretty much think the world of him. I really enjoy these devotionals that get me thinking and pondering where I am in life and in my spiritual journey. This past week, the devotionals all came from Galatians 5:22-23 - the verses about the fruit of the spirit. This particular day really spoke to me because I do know that some of my "fruit" has not been developing the way that is should. And I find myself thinking, "I really need to try harder to love people more." I think I need to be kinder or have a little more self-control (especially when it comes to my mouth). But I have always looked at it as me trying harder. The thing I need to try harder to do is stay connected with my Lord. That is where I have dropped the ball. I have thought I could do it myself and forgotten that my connection to the vine makes all the difference. Not me, never me. So here is the devotional from Dr. Blake McKinney.
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Galatians 5:22-23
Identifying these character traits as "fruit" gives us a clue as to how they are developed. Our normal approach is to try really hard to be loving, or joyful, or patient. But a grapevine doesn't produce fruit by trying hard. All the grapevine has to do is stay connected to the main vine, receiving nutrients from it, and the grapes will be produced automatically. Jesus said that if we remain in him, if we abide in him, we will bear much fruit. It will be automatic. You can count on it. Our most important role in developing these traits is not to try harder, but to nourish our connection with Christ - to abide in Him.
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