A filter system is set in place to draw out impurities and to prevent them from passing through. These filter systems help to guarantee we have clear air to breath and clean water to drink. Most of us give little to no thought of how these filter systems work, we just know every few months we must change these filters out or our air and water would be dirty.
As followers of Christ, it is important that we filter our heart to keep the impurities of this world from passing through. Galatians 5:22-23 outlines the fruit of the spirit that is to be used as a filtration system for all followers of Christ. “But the fruit of the Spirit is Love, Joy, Peace, Patience, Kindness, Goodness, Faithfulness, Gentleness, and Self-Control.” Galatians 5:22-23.
On the surface the fruit of the spirit may seem simple for any individual who freely surrendered their life to Jesus Christ to possess. However, mimicking the life of Jesus is not simple, because we have all sinned and fall short of the glorious standard of God. (Romans 3:23) The beautiful thing about our imperfections and weakness is that through them God’s power is made perfect.
As followers of Christ, we want our thoughts and actions to align with kingdom principles. The very first kingdom principle we must apply to our life is our need for God, Jesus, and Holy Spirit. As humans we try to control every aspect of our lives, the world around us, politics, our coworkers, etc. This leads to us moving God from front center of our lives to backstage. It is impossible for us to possess the fruit of the spirit without God being front and center of our life every day.
Restoration is not the act of Christians becoming perfect, sinless creatures. Instead, restoration is the daily act of us leaning into the presence of God acknowledging that he is front center of our life (this includes bad days, uncertain days, anxious days, depressed days, etc.)
Daily examination of our heart takes a level of vulnerability and openness within our relationship with God. When we begin to use the fruit of the spirit as the filtration system it was designed to be the junk of this world can be filtered out. This will guarantee that our thoughts and actions align with kingdom principles that amplify a life pleasing to God.
It takes practice and discipline that will allow our thoughts and actions to mimic the life of Jesus.
Spiritual restoration is an ongoing process for every believer
Prayer:
“God help me to put you first in my life, every day. Help me to use the fruit of the spirit as a filtration device to guarantee my life mimics the life of Jesus. God, may your strength be made perfect in my weakness. Help me to lean into you every day (even the bad days, sad days, depressed days, broken days) Lord, help me to keep you front and center of my life. Continue to use your word to draw me closer to you.”
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