I am overly conscious of my personal hygiene at the change of the seasons, particularly during seasonal changes. I am conscious of the deodorant and cologne I wear, and it’s always a brand that will provide all-day protection. I will typically wear a light floral with hints of patchouli in the spring and transition to bergamot with hints of dry wood and musk in the fall. Always layering my cologne with lightly fragranced skin softener to ensure my scent will remain all day. I am mindful of the aroma I give off when I come in close contact with colleagues and friends. I love when I walk by, and someone enquires about the cologne I am wearing. I follow up with the name and where the cologne is sold.
I ponder if I am equally concerned about the spiritual aroma that lingers as I enter a room where voices are elevated in a heated argument or in the line of a grocery store where the cashier is less than pleasant, refusing to honor an advertised lower price. Are we leaving the lingering odor of disdain and hate or the aroma of the Fruit of the Spirit? Are we sharing the Savior in such a way that even the angriest person will want to know Him? When someone is in your presence, do they want to know your Savior, or do they just want the fragrance of cologne or the designer of clothing we wear? Today, I am challenging myself and you to be a better representation of Christ. To be cognizant of the impression we leave with others. We can direct someone to the counter of a nearby Department Store to purchase the bottle of fragrance; that’s easy.
The real question is, can we lead others to Jesus by exuding the Fruits of the Spirit, Galatians 5:22-23? This is what our society needs more than anything.
Love: A new commandment I give unto you, That ye love one another; as I have loved you, that ye also love one another. John 13:34
Joy: He will yet fill your mouth with laughing and your lips with rejoicing. Job 8:21
Peace: And the peace of God, which transcends all understanding, will guard your hearts and your minds in Christ Jesus. Philippians 4:7
Longsuffering: With all lowliness and meekness, with longsuffering, forbearing one another in love; Ephesians 4:2
Gentleness: Let our gentle spirit be known to all men. The Lord is near. Philippians 4:5
Goodness: Do not be overcome by evil, but overcome evil with good. Romans 12:21
Faith: Faith can move mountains. Matthew 17:20
Meekness: Blessed are the gentle, for they shall inherit the earth. Matthew 5:5
Temperance: Be sober, be vigilant; because your adversary the devil, as a roaring lion, walketh about, seeking whom he may devour. 1Peter 5:8
For a deeper exploration of the Fruit of the Spirit, I recommend delving into my book, 'Dry Bones Journal From Reconstruction to Restoration,' which is available in the shop section on our website. This beautifully crafted journal serves as a guide, coaching you to cultivate more "Spiritual Fruit" in your life. Through the use of the Word of God, it helps you identify and eliminate the "fruit of the flesh." I am our coach as you develop a habit I like to call "checking your fruit," providing valuable insights and support to help you throughout your spiritual journey.
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