Marks of Faith

The Gift of Faith
Tests of Faith

Struggling Faith

Galatians 5:22-26  The Message

^22-23 But what happens when we live God’s way? He brings gifts into our lives, much the same way that fruit appears in an orchard—things like affection for others, exuberance about life, serenity. We develop a willingness to stick with things, a sense of compassion in the heart, and a conviction that a basic holiness permeates things and people. We find ourselves involved in loyal commitments, not needing to force our way in life, able to marshal and direct our energies wisely.
^23-24 Legalism is helpless in bringing this about; it only gets in the way. Among those who belong to Christ, everything connected with getting our own way and mindlessly responding to what everyone else calls necessities is killed off for good—crucified.
^25-26 Since this is the kind of life we have chosen, the life of the Spirit, let us make sure that we do not just hold it as an idea in our heads or a sentiment in our hearts, but work out its implications in every detail of our lives. That means we will not compare ourselves with each other as if one of us were better and another worse. We have far more interesting things to do with our lives. Each of us is an original.

For Reflection
Have you really tried God's way?  Have you given up on the first unexpected result?

Remember God's way is not the way of this world.  Why would you expect worldly returns?  Follow God's lead.  When one door closes look for God's open door and rush through it.

Pray

that you will lead the life that the Spirit directs you.  Pray that you will cast away fear and doubt that inhibits the full and complete restoration of your human potential to be a child of God.