Overflow

The words of Jesus are clear in that the fruit we bear reveals our true character.  When I hear that, the attributes of the fruit of the Spirit;  love, joy, peace, patience, kindness, goodness, faithfulness, gentleness and self-control fill my head.  A born again follower of Christ lives a life full of life giving fruit.  I believe this.  Followers of Christ should be different. Our lives should be lived so that Jesus is seen in our words and actions.  It doesn't mean we won't do wrong but when life happens, our reaction reflects something different in us.

Count on this: no good tree bears bad fruit, and no bad tree bears good fruit.  You can know a tree by the fruit it bears.  You don’t find figs on a thorn bush, and you can’t pick grapes from a brier bush.  It’s the same with people. A person full of goodness in his heart produces good things; a person with an evil reservoir in his heart pours out evil things. The heart overflows in the words a person speaks; your words reveal what is in your heart.

Luke 6:43-45

When we choose to follow Jesus there is a sacrifice involved.  It requires denying one's self and following Christ in a life of obedience. (Matthew 16:24)

God’s honor and glory are our sole purpose.  That's it.   Nothing more. It is not about us or our happiness, our wealth, and our needs or wants but instead the growth of His kingdom. This is not difficult  to understand but because of self centeredness and sin, the goal set before us is a struggle daily to achieve.

Before Jesus ascended into heaven, He gave us our marching orders, the great commission.  His words were,

I am here speaking with all the authority of God,  who has commanded me to give you this commission.  Go out and make disciples in all nations.  Ceremonially wash them through baptism in the name of the triune God:  Father, Son and Holy Spirit.  Then disciple them.  Form them in the practices and postures that I have taught you, and show them how to follow the commands I have laid down for you.  And I will be with you, day after day,  to the end of the age.

Matthew 28:16-20

Pure and simple; share the gospel. No matter the cost.  Fire insurance should not be what we’re selling.  Instead a life transformation should take place.  A passion within the lives of those who choose Him should ignite so strong that the life they live reflects the One they follow.   A simple prayer cannot accomplish that task.  Discipleship must follow that prayer.  Walking alongside one another sharing the truths found in scripture should be the desire within us.

We should seek out those who are lost and searching and lack understanding.  Those who lack peace and purpose in their life.  Too many, Christianity is just a religion making them unaware of God and His presence.  Unaware of His love and grace. They are who we should seek out.

We, all who call ourselves children of God,  have a purpose.  God has a plan for every one of us and it begins with Him. It begins with us setting out to share His love, His grace and His mercy with those who need it.   It means extending ourselves for the greater good.  It means cleaning up our busy calendars and making time to serve and minister to those who are in need.

Examine your heart. Ask the Holy Spirit for direction and He will give it to you.

"Examine yourselves to see whether you are in the faith; test yourselves. Do you not realize that Christ Jesus is in you—unless, of course, you fail the test?"

2 Corinthians 13:5

The Holy Spirit is powerful.  When you are a follower of Christ, the same power that raised Jesus from the dead lives within you.  Once you have claimed Him as Lord and Savior of your life, you are sealed.  You are His. And you have a mission before you.  Now, Go and Tell!