[Discoveries] 01-18-07 Prescription vs. description

[Inspiration in Your Inbox]

/*But the fruit of the Spirit is love, joy, peace, patience, kindness, 
goodness, faithfulness, gentleness and self-control. -- Galatians 5:22-23*/

Suppose I'm not loving. Suppose I'm not joyful. Suppose I'm not patient. 
And so on. What should I do?

Should I straighten up? Should I act more loving, more joyful, more 
patient?

Sometimes we confuse description with prescription. These qualities 
describe the result of God's work in our life; they are not a to-do list 
for us. This fruit validates the Spirit's work in our lives. This list 
helps us test the spirits.

If we find that we are not loving, then we invite the Holy Spirit into 
that part of our life that does not love. If we lack joy, then we invite 
the Spirit into that lack. If we are troubled, then this is where we 
need God.

Fruit is not produced mechanically, by design and execution. Fruit is 
produced organically, by connection with the vine.

And thank God for that, because my imitations wouldn't taste very good.

Be encouraged!
Dwight


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