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For freedom Christ has set us free. Stand firm, therefore, and do not submit again to a yoke of slavery.For you were called to freedom, brothers and sisters; only do not use your freedom as an opportunity for self-indulgence, but through love become slaves to one another. For the whole law is summed up in a single commandment, ‘You shall love your neighbour as yourself.’ If, however, you bite and devour one another, take care that you are not consumed by one another.Live by the Spirit, I say, and do not gratify the desires of the flesh. For what the flesh desires is opposed to the Spirit, and what the Spirit desires is opposed to the flesh; for these are opposed to each other, to prevent you from doing what you want. But if you are led by the Spirit, you are not subject to the law. Now the works of the flesh are obvious: fornication, impurity, licentiousness, idolatry, sorcery, enmities, strife, jealousy, anger, quarrels, dissensions, factions, envy, drunkenness, carousing, and things like these. I am warning you, as I warned you before: those who do such things will not inherit the kingdom of God.By contrast, the fruit of the Spirit is love, joy, peace, patience, kindness, generosity, faithfulness, gentleness, and self-control. There is no law against such things. And those who belong to Christ Jesus have crucified the flesh with its passions and desires. If we live by the Spirit, let us also be guided by the Spirit. (Galatians 5:1-13-25)
If you call technical support, or it you take a car in for servicing, your phone will ring after your experience. "Would you mind answering a few questions about your experience today?" And then the questions start and you begin pressing numbers to help them improve their service. What if God did that after church each time you went? "My child, would you mind sharing with me what you learned today in worship?" Well, in a way, that survey is happening even now. "Would you say you live led by Me, or by the flesh?" "Would you say that your life decisions reflect freedom or slavery?" "Would your neighbor say that you loved him?" "Which of the following have you done lately, press 1 for fornication, 2 for impurity, 3 for licentiousness (Dial 0 if you don't know what means), press 4 for idolatry, 5 for sorcery, 6 for enmity, 7 for strife, 8 for jealousy, 0 if one or more not on the list apply to you...an operator will be with you shortly to remove the operator already in your life..."
How much better would it be to hear God saying, "I love you and what you are doing with your life! I see how love is important to you, and how you love others, and joy! Joy seems to be pouring out your pores! And peace is yours, so much so, you're blessing Me and others! Patience, well, you're working on that; you'll get there soon - And kindness is evident, as if generosity, but give a little more of what you earn to your church, just saying...Faithfulness, gentleness, and self-control are all present, check those boxes my child!"
You get the picture. Now draw that painting in your life!
PRAYER: Awesome Giver of Good Things God, grant to me a life that blesses and pleases You. May I live in such a way that others will know that You live in me. This I pray in Christ Jesus' precious and powerful name, amen.
Have a great and blessed day in the Lord!
Eradio Valverde
