If you even have a passing interest in marketing, no doubt you've heard the phrase "Perception is reality". It basically suggests that "what people think" about something, it is viewed as reality to them.
Fellow believers...With this in mind, as people claiming the salvation of Christ, what message about ourselves are we sending to the world around us?
Love, joy, peace, patience, kindness, goodness, faithfulness, gentleness and self-control?
That would be great! Those are what Galatians 5:22-23 calls "The Fruit Of The Spirit"
22But the fruit of the Spirit is love, joy, peace, patience, kindness, goodness, faithfulness, 23gentleness and self-control. Against such things there is no law.
Read on..
24Those who belong to Christ Jesus have crucified the sinful nature with its passions and desires. 25Since we live by the Spirit, let us keep in step with the Spirit. 26Let us not become conceited, provoking and envying each other.
Sadly, considering the words thrown around most about Christians in today's world are along the lines of "hypocritical, judgmental, fake, back-biters, self-righteous, etc". It seems the fruit of the spirit is not too often found.
Look at what Galatians 5:19-21 says:
19The acts of the sinful nature are obvious: sexual immorality, impurity and debauchery; 20idolatry and witchcraft; hatred, discord, jealousy, fits of rage, selfish ambition, dissensions, factions 21and envy; drunkenness, orgies, and the like. I warn you, as I did before, that those who live like this will not inherit the kingdom of God.
The question at hand: What does our life (not our words) say to others about Jesus Christ?
Forgive us Father...
jamie
All scriptures NIV
¶ 5/25/2009
