Got Fruit?

By their own admission, they were far along on the path of spiritual growth. They made sure the other students knew they were beyond infancy and into the deep things of spiritual formation. Unfortunately, their behavior did not match their words.

Consequently, I've been thinking a lot about the fruit of the Spirit, which, according to Galatians 5:22-23 is "love, joy, peace, patience, kindness, goodness, faithfulness, gentleness and self-control" (NIV). Specifically, I've been observing my life to see how much of it is evident.

Since I teach spiritual formation to university and seminary students, the question often comes up, "How will I know if I am making progress in the area of spiritual formation?" My answer is usually, "Your progress will be demonstrated by the display of the Sprit's fruit in your life."

I believe (like M.Robert Mulholland Jr. and others - see Mulholland's book Invitation to a Journey) that the goal of spiritual formation is to become like Jesus Christ (not in his divinity - humans do not become divine - but in his behavior towards others, as one example). Jesus exuded the fruit of the Spirit. If I am to be like Jesus, then, I too, will display the Spirit's fruit.

The proving ground for the evidence of this fruit is in my relationships with other people. One can be quite spiritual in one's room at home. It is when we rub shoulders with others that our true nature squeaks out.

I've been told by others that they see more evidence of fruit in my life (praise God), but, there is always room for more. The interesting thing about the fruit is that we cannot manufacture it. It comes from the Spirit as we yield ourselves to God's work in our lives. So, as I think, I am also reading God's Word, spending time with God in prayer, and attempting to understand and obey.

How about you? What is your fruit quotient? Would others find you full of "love, joy, peace, patience, kindness, goodness, faithfulness, gentleness and self-control" (NIV)? Do you have a desire to display these qualities in your life? If so, join me in seeking the face of God and obeying his commands. Hopefully, as fall comes, we will enjoy an abundant harvest!

I pray that my students will do the same...