We Can, By The Grace of God!

I am Thinking this morning of some of our past blogs.  The ones on how Jesus asks to live among all the different people in our world.  How we are to speak.  Not just to each other, but with God!  I wrote one on prayer and humility the last week. And how Jesus loves us even when we are not lovable.  Earlier I did a few on Lady Wisdom — The Holy Spirit.

So as I was remembering those blogs and trying to find some inspiration for today.  What came to mind is the driving agent in all of Jesus’ requests of us.  The one link, of The Three, that provide for our ability to be and do as Jesus has asked.

22 But the fruit of the Spirit is love, joy, peace, forbearance, kindness, goodness, faithfulness, 23 gentleness and self-control. Against such things there is no law. 24 Those who belong to Christ Jesus have crucified the flesh with its passions and desires. 25 Since we live by the Spirit, let us keep in step with the Spirit. 26 Let us not become conceited, provoking and envying each other.(Gal. 5: 22-26)

I thought of a phrase I have heard from time: “Spiritual Excitement?” came to mind. And I wondered, what it would mean to have spiritual excitement?  And what it would take to create spiritual excitement in others?   

And then of course other questions started to develop — as they usually do.  What does it mean to be spiritually excited?  To have a drive inside of us that felt inspired to actually intentionally live as Jesus asked!  

How would that look?  Does it mean that we would become a quiet spiritual presence?  Does it mean that we spent our time speaking in tongues?  Does it mean that we all become perfect Christians?  Whatever that is!  

Or!  Does it mean that we simply take more seriously the presence, and activity, of God’s Living Spirit within ourselves and within our world?

I’m thinking that spiritual excitement comes with an openness, faith, to live within the truth of the Holy Spirit’s presence.  Then, by the Grace of God, living and sharing the fruits of the Spirit as we live out our lives, day to day, wherever we are.  By sharing love, joy, peace patience kindness, generosity, faithfulness, gentleness and self-control.  

And, we live like that because we desire to be God’s conduit for these precious abilities — gifts.  We have just enough faith!  Maybe as tiny as a mustard seed!  Wanting to be apart of God’s plan to bring harmony and goodness to our little corner of the world.

To put it simply, being spiritually excited is then being intentional about directing our focus on God’s will and purpose.  So that we might in turn nourish our sisters and brothers, by our own faith, as we live and work together.

That my friends is no easy task.  Especially in face of a culture that resists such efforts.  But what we would be wise to hold on to is God’s promise of constant help in our efforts.  

We live in a world today that needs the fruits of the Spirit more than ever before!

We are never asked to do God’s work alone.

Any comments!