Revd Sara’s Reflection Sunday 25/2/24
And the Lord—who is the Spirit—makes us more and more like him as we are changed into his glorious image.”
2 Corinthians 3:18 (NLT)
You need more power than just willpower in your life. You need God’s power.
The fruits of the Spirit are the qualities that God puts into your life when the Holy Spirit lives in you: “love, joy, peace, patience, kindness, goodness, faithfulness, gentleness, and self-control” (Galatians 5:22-23 NLT).
How does God produce the fruit in your life? Not by willpower. You could go out and say, “I’m going to be a more patient person!” but that doesn’t mean it’s going to work.
The Holy Spirit has to grow it on the inside. You try to say, “I’m going to be more patient. I’m going to be more loving.” It’s like tying some oranges on a eucalyptus tree and calling it an orange tree. It doesn’t work that way. The fruit of the Spirit can only come from the inside—God’s Spirit living through you.
How does the Holy Spirit work in your life? The answer is gradually: “And the Lord—who is the Spirit—makes us more and more like him as we are changed into his glorious image” (2 Corinthians 3:18 NLT).
When God wants to make a mushroom, he takes six hours. When God wants to make an oak tree, he takes 60 years. The question is: Do you want your life to be a mushroom or an oak tree? The things we most want to change usually developed in us over years. If you want a five-second answer? It isn’t going to happen! You’ve got to peel that onion one layer at a time.
The Holy Spirit works within us to make us gradually more and more like her. Our character is the sum total of our habits. Our responsibility is to develop new habits that reflect his work in us.
Prayefully reflect :-
· What new habits do you want to develop so that the Holy Spirit can continually work in your life to make you more like Christ?
· Why are small steps toward growth and change just as important as big steps?
· How can a small group or close friends help keep you on track as you make changes in your life?
love and prayers Revd Sara
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