Christianity is incredibly simple: we trust in Christ for His grace and mercy, and the Spirit conforms us into His image now and forevermore. He works to bring us fruit of the Spirit.
Yet, at the same time, it’s anything but easy. We know His grace will produce transformation and good works in us. That means we look to ourselves and others seeking to see those works and changes.
In seeking to be like Him, we can quickly produce fruitless works and become judgmental.
The works/grace balance is a challenge. We can become so works-focused that we become legalistic or so “grace” focused that we become libertine.
Last week, I wrote extensively about what Christians ought to do or be or how they should think. From that, you might think I was advocating some form of works-based righteousness or a scale of merit.
Not at all; only the work of the Spirit can produce meaningful changes. We can never make God love us more than He does right now. He loves his children without measure.
We are made new, sealed by the Spirit, and being made into the image of Christ. We are adopted into the family of God and made coheirs with Christ. We are blood-bought, Spirit-filled people, chosen of God. Our future and salvation are secure in Him.
We can relax and take comfort in living in the shadow of the resurrection. Yet, we must never become complacent. We must constantly review our lives and behaviors.
His divine power has granted to us all things that pertain to life and godliness, through the knowledge of him who called us to his own glory and excellenceby which he has granted to us his precious and very great promises, so that through them you may become partakers of the divine nature, having escaped from the corruption that is in the world because of sinful desire. For this very reason, make every effort to supplement your faith with virtue,and virtue with knowledge, and knowledge with self-control, and self-control with steadfastness, and steadfastness with godliness, and godliness with brotherly affection, and brotherly affection with love. For if these qualities are yours and are increasing, they keep you from being ineffective or unfruitful in the knowledge of our Lord Jesus Christ. For whoever lacks these qualities is so nearsighted that he is blind, having forgotten that he was cleansed from his former sins. Therefore, brothers, be all the more diligent to confirm your calling and election, for if you practice these qualities you will never fall. For in this way there will be richly provided for you an entrance into the eternal kingdom of our Lord and Savior Jesus Christ. 2 Peter 1:3-11 ESV
Examine the type of fruit you are producing. Is it small, sour grapes or large, juicy watermelons? Are you more like Christ than you were before?
May you walk in His grace and discover a greater capacity for love, forgiveness, and abundant fruitfulness. May the fruit of the Spirit flourish abundantly within you.
Kevin
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