Throughout our earthly lives whenever we follow our natural sin-desires the outcome will be any number of the following: sexual immorality, impurity, lustful pleasures, idolatry, witchcraft, hostility, quarrelling, jealousy, outbursts of anger, selfish ambition, dissension, division, envy, drunkenness, wild parties, and other sins like these.

However, God’s Spirit, who resides in those who belong to Him, imparts desires that are quite different to our human desires.

When a Christian believer permits God’s Spirit to guide their thoughts and hearts this is what He produces in their lives: love, joy, peace, patience, kindness, goodness, faithfulness, gentleness, and self-control (Galatians 5:22-23). These godly characteristics are called ‘fruit of the Spirit’.

As the Lord examines our lives it matters not to Him how much Bible head-knowledge we have, but how much fruit we’ve allowed His Spirit to produce in our lives, as this fruit reflects His character.

So, how is the growth of spiritual-fruit fostered in our lives?

Firstly, become a child of God. Secondly, invite His Spirit to be ‘The’ Influencer of every area of your life (Galatians 5:16-26). There’s nothing to fear when you do this – God is only interested in steering you away from anyone and anything that hinders the production of spiritual fruit in your life. Thirdly, obey God in every truth He reveals to you. (As it’s your obedience to Him that permits the Holy Spirit to do His work within you.)

While human effort can make you glamorous (outward and fading), the Holy Spirit can make you beautiful (inward and intensifying). The choice is yours… ask the Spirit to make you the ‘real deal’ or remain artificial!

Friends, you were created to ‘be’ fruit bearers… people whose lives reflect the beautiful, perfect character of God… such a condition that proves you are one of His kids!