"The word Christian means 'Little Christ's', and that's what we're supposed to be, little Jesus' running around." Keith Green
I had a horrible week, which was a culmination of long standing problems in the way that I think, and a desire for a kind of spiritual fruit that I may never see. I am thankful for just 2 days away with a dear friend where God taught me some helpful but hard lessons
I like that quote from Keith Green, if it is understood properly. We are supposed to be little Jesus. We are not supposed to be Jesus himself. Jesus walked on water. Peter walked on water a little. The other disciples didn't. They were no less little Jesus'.
Some faithful Christian people may NEVER see a soul converted because of their ministry. Sometimes the only fruit they will see is thankfulness (though even that may seem rarer than conversions at times). If you think about it, sinful people are not concerned with God nor thankful to him. If someone thanks you for what you did for Jesus, it is no small, unspiritual token. It is a grace and a fruit of His work in you.
I receive thank yous like water off a ducks back. Sin has crept in even to the way I respond to the response my service gets. What if thankfulness is the only fruit I will see? I'd best be transformed by the renewing of my mind (Romans 12:1-2).
Hi Wilmo, thank you for posting this. You know I have a problem with "religious people" (pastors included) saying that we get the Fruit of the Spirit when Christ comes into our lives. I do not believe this. I was once told by a very good Christian friend of mine that you can get the Fruit of the Spirit by being around others that have the Fruit of the Spirit. I totally agree with you that we may never have more than just one Fruit of the Spirit. In my personal opinion Fruit of the Spirit can gradually be obtained and just not given to you at once like I stated before. And the "religious people" (including pastors) will claim if you do not have the Fruit of the Spirit then you are not a true Christian. I laugh in their faces.
ReplyDeleteI also have a problem with some "religious people" (pastors included) saying that since the Fruit of the Spirit is singular in the Bible it is only one. Well, hello, there is more than one listed so how can this just be one?? They really crack me up to be honest.
I agree with you about the comment we are to live our lives like Christ, but as you know that is impossible, but we can try. WE are NEVER told to BE Christ.
I do not quit get the last paragraph though. If thankfulness is the only fruit you see then Thank God that you have it and be greatful for it. In this time and age, we are lucky to even get a thank you for anything that we do inside or outside of Christ. If your heart is right with God and you are doing things that God has directed you to do, you may not be appreicated for it and be told thank you and I think this is what hurts us the most and it should not. I am still learning this lesson. God loves you Wilmo and just know that there is a person in Hannover, Germany that thinks about you and prays for you daily.
Thanks Lianne.
ReplyDeleteIt's probably appropriate that you didn't get the last paragraph because it was a personal challenge :P
I'm becoming more and more aware of things that are wrong with me and the way I think. I need to accept thank you's. To do that I need to be renewed by God.
I'm thankful that we have the bible and holy spirit to teach us. I'm thankful for pastors too, but also thankful that their word is not final (which I think most pastors I know are too).
Thanks again for your prayers.