Devotion 

The Fruit of the Spirit

Frances Taylor 

This letter of Paul to the Galatians contrasts the fruit of the flesh and the fruit of the Spirit. He lists sins of the flesh: fornication, uncleanness, lasciviousness, idolatry, sorcery, jealousies, drunkenness, etc. I don't know about you, but all of these things are so prevalent today that few consider them sins. Just try to see a movie or watch a television show or listen to modern music without at least one of these sins of the flesh being not just illustrated but glorified. It would seem that more people than not live by the flesh, not by the Spirit. Somehow, I have a feeling that many of these consider themselves to be good Christians. I'm glad I'm not the judge. We can't take pride in doing the right thing because we don't know what we would do if we were tempted in the same way as others. All we can do is continue to ask God to help us be kind and faithful. It's a daily struggle to walk by the Spirit and not give in to temptation. It can also be a struggle to not be a source of discord or jealousy by bragging about out possessions or prideful of our accomplishments. Instead, let us be grateful of the gifts we have been given and aware that it is only through grace that we can avoid giving in to the sins of the flesh.

Prayer 

Lord, it can be easy to judge others by their behavior, but we know nothing of their struggles. Keep us from pride and boastfulness, so that our behavior may not be a stumbling block in the way of faith. Amen.