Paul has just written to the people to let their lives be governed by the Spirit instead of the flesh that desires what is contrary to the Spirit. The Common English translation describes these desires: “The actions that are produced by selfish motives are obvious, since they include sexual immorality, moral corruption, doing whatever feels good, idolatry, drug use and casting spells, hate, fighting, obsession, losing your temper, competitive opposition, conflict, selfishness, group rivalry, jealousy, drunkenness, partying, and other things like that. I warn you as I have already warned you, that those who do these kinds of things won’t inherit God’s kingdom.”
I wonder how many of us are stuck in the middle somewhere. We love God and sincerely sincere to let the Spirit work through us and exhibit those fruits and we are not morally corrupt in the ways described in this text. But we get cranky, critical, and find our foot in our mouth too often. How do we get closer to the ideal? I think part if it is working on stress by staying connected to God through prayer throughout the day. Everyone needs to have some stress management tricks. I’m going to try to be more conscious of that this week and see what happens. Let’s do that together.
Holy God, It’s often when we’re stressed that we lose our patience and kindness towards others. Help us to feel your calming presence; save us from our self-serving actions and help us to love you and others according to your desires for us. We ask in Christ’s name. Amen.
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