Well, friends…Here we go! No matter how things turn out, this is our moment to shine! Which is to say, this is how the world will know we follow Jesus. In fact, this is how the world will know what Jesus is like!
The past few weeks I’ve been memorizing Romans 12, and just now… this very week… I’ve reached the last few verses. Which means these exact words have been my daily meditation:
Do not be wise in your own estimation. Do not repay anyone evil for evil. Give careful thought to do what is honorable in everyone’s eyes. If possible, as far as it depends on you, live at peace with everyone. Romans 12:16b-18
Paul wrote these words to the Church in ROME. Talk about a cultural moment.
Last week I wrote about a joy revival, and ever since I’ve felt a bit like a new car owner. You know… how as soon as you own a new make and model, you can’t help but notice it everywhere you go. It turns out I’m not the only one wondering if future hard days will unleash a resurgence of good old fashioned Joy in the Spirit.
COUNT IT ALL JOY!!
Our fruit never changes. I wrote about this last week, too, and it bears repeating. It’s not all that hard to distinguish between the “flesh of self” and the “fruit of Spirit”—speaking from experience. Even when I am wholehearted in my devotion to Jesus, I am vulnerable to self. Especially when the going gets tough. My default human nature (especially when I’m dealing with fear) is to let flesh have the first say. Oh yes. Pride is stubborn. Far too often my initial gut instinct.
But the test is easy: In the battle of Flesh vs Spirit—
The score is tallied by fruit:
Love. Joy. Peace. Patience. Kindness. Goodness. Faithfulness. Gentleness. Self-Control.
The winning combination.
I spend a lot of time these days thinking about grandchildren. The future generations, and what the world will be like. And I take a great deal of comfort in knowing the Spirit never changes. The same Spirit that raised Jesus from the dead… the same Spirit that transformed Saul to Paul… the same Spirit that ignited an ekklesia movement that’s lasted 2000 years… the same Spirit that has been my own source of life…
Will be just as powerful
Just as faithful
Just as lavish with His Spirit blessings
In the lives of my grandkids!!
And probably more.
More, because suffering multiplies. Suffering produces fruit.
Rewinding Romans—
And not only that, but we also boast in our afflictions, because we know that affliction produces endurance, endurance produces proven character, and proven character produces hope. This hope will not disappoint us, because God’s love has been poured out in our hearts through the Holy Spirit who was given to us. Romans 5:3-5
So, no matter what happens. This week. This year. The next ten. Let’s not lose sight of who we are and why it matters. Let’s not ever lose sight of our unshakeable kingdom and the King who has already won.
2000 years ago Jesus gave us our marching orders:
“I give you a new command: Love one another. Just as I have loved you, you are also to love one another. By this everyone will know that you are my disciples, if you love one another.” John 13:34-35
And remember this, too, because it’s going to be important—
There is no fear in love; instead, perfect love drives out fear!! (1 John 4:18)
When we belong to Jesus… WE NEED NOT FEAR!!
Let’s get out there show the world what Jesus is like.
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