John 15:7-8
Love, joy, peace, patience, kindness, goodness, faithfulness, gentleness, and self-control. You’ve probably heard that song, right? It’s a classic in kid’s ministry.
While the song is catchy and teaches us what the Bible says the fruit of the Spirit is, are we actually living it out in our day-to-day lives? How do we move from simply knowing the fruit of the Spirit to intentionally living it out with our families and within ourselves? Before we answer that, we have to take an inward look at our hearts. Jesus gives us a powerful picture of this in Matthew 13.
In this story of the parable of the sower, the seed represents God’s word, and the soil represents our hearts. As the seeds were being scattered, some fell on the path, some fell on rocky ground with a little soil, some fell on thorns, and some fell on good soil. The path refers to someone who hears God’s word but does not understand it or accept it, allowing it to be snatched away. The rocky ground refers to someone who hears God’s word, but since they have no root, it only lasts a short time. The seed that fell among the thorns refers to someone who hears God’s word but worries and the pleasures of life crowd out God’s word, letting life take priority over spiritual growth. The seed that fell on good soil refers to someone who hears God’s word, understands it, and lives it out. Now we have to ask ourselves honestly, are our hearts truly in a place to allow God’s word to take root? Because what we allow to grow in our hearts will be reflected in our homes, and the fruit that is truly lasting comes from a life rooted in Christ.
In the last two years my husband and I have stepped into the role of guardians over our niece and nephew, while also raising our daughter. And I’ll be honest; it has stretched me in ways that have really challenged my patience. My lack of patience then turns to frustration, and I’ve seen how quickly that spills over. Because when I lead with frustration, it multiplies. What becomes difficult in moments like these is then trying to turn around and teach them how not to let their lack of patience turn into frustration. But the hard truth is, what we model becomes what they mimic. And even though we won’t get it right every time, we can step back and rely on God for help during those moments. As we live rooted in Christ, our kids will see that relationship and will begin to follow that example too.
It all comes back to this: what it means to abide in Christ. Jesus says in John 15:7-8, “If you remain in me and my words remain in you, ask whatever you wish, and it will be done for you. This is to my Father's glory, that you bear much fruit, showing yourselves to be my disciples.”
What would it look like for you to grow deeper with Christ this week? Maybe it’s setting aside time each day to be in His word, being committed to coming to church, or simply being more intentional about praying in your day. The best thing you can do for your family is to love God more than you love them. When you do, His spirit will produce in you the things your family needs most from you every single day.our heart to seek Him.
While the song is catchy and teaches us what the Bible says the fruit of the Spirit is, are we actually living it out in our day-to-day lives? How do we move from simply knowing the fruit of the Spirit to intentionally living it out with our families and within ourselves? Before we answer that, we have to take an inward look at our hearts. Jesus gives us a powerful picture of this in Matthew 13.
In this story of the parable of the sower, the seed represents God’s word, and the soil represents our hearts. As the seeds were being scattered, some fell on the path, some fell on rocky ground with a little soil, some fell on thorns, and some fell on good soil. The path refers to someone who hears God’s word but does not understand it or accept it, allowing it to be snatched away. The rocky ground refers to someone who hears God’s word, but since they have no root, it only lasts a short time. The seed that fell among the thorns refers to someone who hears God’s word but worries and the pleasures of life crowd out God’s word, letting life take priority over spiritual growth. The seed that fell on good soil refers to someone who hears God’s word, understands it, and lives it out. Now we have to ask ourselves honestly, are our hearts truly in a place to allow God’s word to take root? Because what we allow to grow in our hearts will be reflected in our homes, and the fruit that is truly lasting comes from a life rooted in Christ.
In the last two years my husband and I have stepped into the role of guardians over our niece and nephew, while also raising our daughter. And I’ll be honest; it has stretched me in ways that have really challenged my patience. My lack of patience then turns to frustration, and I’ve seen how quickly that spills over. Because when I lead with frustration, it multiplies. What becomes difficult in moments like these is then trying to turn around and teach them how not to let their lack of patience turn into frustration. But the hard truth is, what we model becomes what they mimic. And even though we won’t get it right every time, we can step back and rely on God for help during those moments. As we live rooted in Christ, our kids will see that relationship and will begin to follow that example too.
It all comes back to this: what it means to abide in Christ. Jesus says in John 15:7-8, “If you remain in me and my words remain in you, ask whatever you wish, and it will be done for you. This is to my Father's glory, that you bear much fruit, showing yourselves to be my disciples.”
What would it look like for you to grow deeper with Christ this week? Maybe it’s setting aside time each day to be in His word, being committed to coming to church, or simply being more intentional about praying in your day. The best thing you can do for your family is to love God more than you love them. When you do, His spirit will produce in you the things your family needs most from you every single day.our heart to seek Him.
Posted in Devotional