My son has always been above average: even as a child, when he entered the terrible-two’s at 18 months. In the three or four days leading up to his second birthday he was nearly impossible: temper tantrums a dozen times a day, unhappy with everything around him. Finally, on the morning of his second birthday I looked at my wife and said, “That’s it! I’ve had it! There will be no birthday party today. Take back all his presents--he doesn’t deserve them.”
Who would refuse to give a birthday gift simply because a child was acting, well, childish? Now, years later, my son is in his twenties: married, gainfully employed, following Jesus, and a delight to be around.
Who would refuse to give a birthday gift simply because a child was acting, well, childish? Now, years later, my son is in his twenties: married, gainfully employed, following Jesus, and a delight to be around.
This week’s meditation invites you to consider the difference between gifts and fruit: Paul’s letters to young churches mention both the fruit of the Holy Spirit (Galatians 5) and gifts of the Holy Spirit (Romans 12 and 1 Corinthians 12). The Heavenly Father is a father of infinite generosity and infinite patience. He gives us what we need, and grows in us what we become. Both actions begin with him. Both actions reflect his character. Yet there are distinct differences between gifts and fruit.
It is too common among North American believers to fixate on one or the other: some believers celebrate the gifts of the Holy Spirit to the neglect of Godly character. Others concentrate on the fruit of the Spirit as if the Father has nothing more to give. Of course, we need both. And of course, the Father wants us to have both. No amount of Christian character can fill a supernatural need, and no supernatural power can replace Christlikeness.
As we launch into the everyday world between Sundays, perhaps we should consider the place of both gifts and fruit in our lives:
- Do I reject what the Father gives?
- Do I prize prize his gifts above his character?
- Do I follow the command of the scripture and “eagerly desire” his gifts?
- Do I lay hold of the call to become conformed to his image?
- Do I live a life of balance in all the Spirit wants to do?
Money quote: No amount of Christian character can fill a supernatural need, and no supernatural power can replace Christlikeness.
ReplyDeleteNow that'll preach, Brother Ray. ;-)
Thanks, Sarah. In my walk with Jesus I've never understood the gulf in the church between gifts and fruit. They both originate with Him and depend on our cooperation. We need them both and we need each other!
ReplyDeleteMoney quote: No amount of Christian character can fill a supernatural need, and no supernatural power can replace Christlikeness.
ReplyDeleteNow that'll preach, Brother Ray. ;-)