Changed Lives Change Lives

 


We can stand on the street corner and preach the evils of the flesh or the value of heaven, but it will not win souls to Christ. People need to see changed lives and the fruit of the Spirit at work in us. The world is watching, what do they see in us?

Thankfully, it is not up to us alone to be holy and fruitful, but it does take our cooperation. In John 15:5 Jesus says, “I am the vine; you are the branches. If you remain in me and I in you, you will bear much fruit; apart from me you can do nothing.” So we are responsible for remaining in Jesus, for abiding in Him. If we do this, then we will bear fruit like love, joy, peace, patience, kindness, goodness, faithfulness, and self control (Gal 5:22-23).

When non-Christians see these fruits in our lives, they are drawn to desire their giver, Jesus. We have the opportunity to point people to God and give Him glory.

Sadly, as I said, this does take our cooperation. We can choose instead to live a worldly life and gratify the flesh rather than glorifying God. When we do this, we don’t only hurt ourselves, but we ruin our witness and the opportunity that others would have had to see Christ in us.

Here’s the Thing: God doesn’t force us to make the right choices, but He will empower us to do it if we ask Him for help and lean into Him for guidance. God knows we can’t do this on our own and He doesn’t ask us to. He’s here for us every step of the way.

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