But the Holy Spirit produces this kind of fruit in our lives: love, joy, peace, patience, kindness, goodness, faithfulness, gentleness, and self-control. There is no law against these things! — Galatians 5:22
Last month my church focused on preaching and teaching about the Fruits of the Spirit, which got me thinking… which one have I grown at the most? To be honest, each one of these has had some growth in my own personal life but there is one that sticks out the most; my favorite:
If you know me personally, you know 2017 was a trial and error type of year for me. God was lifting me up in ministry and yet I hadn’t learned how to execute self control within myself. I was very outspoken, very impatient, and just plain rude! It’s not something I’m proud of because I’ve had to suffer the consequences of not working in the ministry anymore, but I can say it very openly that I was a hot mess last year.
While God was trying to promote me in His Kingdom, I was too busy arguing over senseless stuff and quite honestly being a huge headache to my Pastors over things that really didn’t matter – it’s embarrassing now that I think about it. Because I was so focused on getting my way and feeling important, I lost focus on what being a godly woman was. I gave myself a bad look, like if I had never matured and growed in my faith and daily walk. But most importantly, I know I disappointed many, including God himself!
Do not waste time arguing over godless ideas and old wives’ tales. Instead, train yourself to be godly. — 1 Timothy 4:7
Entering 2018, I made a choice to be better and be different. I didn’t want to keep repeating the same ol’ mistakes and not taking things seriously; I mean, seriously, where was my lack of self control taking me? Nowhere!! I was just digging a deeper grave Grace for myself each time I made the mistake of not controlling my tongue and my mind. I was tired of it.
Four months into the year, I can say that the choice I made at the end of last year has been slowly flourishing. I have seen things I haven’t liked or agreed on, but I have executed self control in the best possible way I could learn; with my silence. If there’s something I don’t understand, I stay silent and pray to God for understanding and guidance. There’s no better way to do it.
I want to be worthy of standing before God one day and I knew that if I didn’t change, I would never seek what I was looking for.
I’m not perfect – no one is – but I try my best each and every day to live a life God is pleased with.
The more you grow like this, the more productive and useful you will be in your knowledge of our Lord Jesus Christ. But those who fail to develop in this way are shortsighted or blind, forgetting that they have been cleansed from their old sins. — 2 Peter 1:8-9
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