Word for the day by Christian Education Forum

   FRUITFUL CHRISTIAN LIVING

Galatians 5:13-16

‘For the desires of the flesh are against the Spirit, and the desires of the Spirit are against the flesh, for those are opposed to each other, to keep you from doing the things you want to do.’
-Galatians 5:17

 

 When God Almighty created Adam, He created Adam with a glorious body. The desires of Adam’s body and his spirit were in line with the intention of the Creator. However, God had given Adam a will of his own and a choice of what he may consume and what he should not. Eve first, and then Adam, made the wrong choice, thus pushing the whole humankind over the precipice into the abyss of sin.
    Nevertheless, God had a plan of rescue. From the beginning He had designed a plan to save the fallen human race through the sacrifice of His only begotten Son, Jesus Christ. When the Lord Jesus Christ walked on this earth, He summarized His teachings in two Commandments: “Love God, love your neighbor.” – Matthew 22:40. He also told His disciples “If you love Me, keep My commandments.” – John 14:15.
    Paul, in his epistle to Galatians, is reiterating the principle of brotherly/sisterly love in Christ. Once a person is genuinely saved, the Holy Spirit will create the change in the character and personality of the person from head to foot. He/She has become new altogether- “…. a new creation…” - 2 Corinthians 5:17. The manifestation of the fruit of the spirit such as: Love, Joy, Peace, Longsuffering, Kindness, Goodness, Faithfulness, Gentleness and Self-control will become clearly visible in the personal life of the saved person. The believer should still be cautious because he/she is wrapped in the flesh which is of the fallen nature and therefore is prone to foolishness and sin.
    How can a believer guard against the lust of the flesh? Apostle Paul gives us a solution in the epistle of Ephesians. Truth, Righteousness, Preparation of the Gospel of Peace, Faith, Salvation, and the Word of God are the tools in the hands of the believer to overcome the lust of the flesh. – Ephesians 6:14-17. Even though these are freely given to us by the Lord, we should not rely on our own strength. Instead, we should constantly submit to the Lord in prayer and supplications for His leading and companionship. A prayerful life is, therefore, essential for us to ‘walk in the spirit.’- Ephesians 6:18.
    A believer should not be self-conceited regarding his/her ‘spiritual walk.’ On the contrary, we should be very humble. There will always be areas for correction and improvement in our life. Jesus Christ is our ultimate model. All of us should strive to imitate Him in word and deed. None of us may rise to the level of Father Damien or Mother Theresa. The good Lord, who watches over all of His flock, will reward us all justly on the Last Day.

 

Prayer
Dear Lord, please help us in our daily walk to bear fruit for the heavenly kingdom so that those around us will glorify Your blessed name.
Thought for the Day: ‘As each one has received a gift, minister it to one another, as good stewards of the manifold grace of God.’ – 1 Peter 4:10  

Abraham Mammen, Sehion Mar Thoma Church, Dallas 

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