Living the Fruits of the Spirit: Embracing Our Call to Be the Church

Humans have an inherent desire to earn their achievements. The hard work invested in a project makes the reward feel more meaningful upon its completion. When success comes too easily, the sense of achievement is often fleeting. However, when we overcome significant challenges to reach our goals, the satisfaction is profound, creating memories that last a lifetime.

In addition to our inclination to earn our achievements, we also struggle to accept gifts. Think back to the last time someone wanted to treat you to dinner at a restaurant. We often fight over the check, and even if we give in and allow ourselves to be treated, it is followed by a promise of "I'll get you next time." The idea of salvation as a gift is beautiful in its simplicity, yet the notion of freely accepting such an enormous gift without having to do the work often goes over our heads.

In evangelical Christianity, the concept of salvation stands out distinctly: it is a gift, not something earned by works. This contrasts sharply with our natural inclination to work for what we receive, making the simplicity of salvation both beautiful and, paradoxically, a stumbling block for many. I experienced this firsthand during a mission trip to South Asia last year. In a restaurant adorned with spiritual messages like "Nobody can cross this river on their own" and "Nobody can climb this mountain alone," the necessity of a Guru for spiritual guidance was emphasized. These messages underscored the importance of the Christian belief that salvation is a gift, freely given through faith in Jesus Christ.

Yet, while salvation is freely given, Christians bear the responsibility of being the church. This involves leading others to the faith so they, too, can experience the joy of salvation. This mission is reflected in the fruits of the Spirit as outlined in Galatians 5:22-23: love, joy, peace, patience, kindness, goodness, faithfulness, gentleness, and self-control. By embodying these qualities, Christians can attract others to the faith, fostering a healthy and growing church community.

However, the reality often contrasts sharply with these ideals. What truly draws people to the church are Christians acting like Christians—not the polar opposite. When Christians exhibit impatience instead of patience, judgment instead of kindness, begrudging service instead of joyful service, and a lack of self-control, they push people away from the faith. The church should be a beacon of love and grace, but when its members fail to embody these fruits, it becomes a stumbling block instead of a sanctuary.

Jesus epitomized love. His actions, including the dramatic moment when he overturned the tables of the money changers in the temple, were driven by a desire to remove obstacles that hindered people from coming to God. Greed and corruption were barriers to spiritual connection, and Jesus' actions highlighted the importance of a pure and welcoming path to faith.

A powerful reminder in our faith journey is that Jesus does not call the qualified; He qualifies the called. His disciples were a diverse group, including fishermen, a tax collector, and a zealot—hardly the religious elite of their time. Peter, a fisherman, became the rock upon which the church was built. Matthew, a tax collector, transformed from a figure of societal disdain to an evangelist. This underscores that God's call is about His purpose and power, not our inherent qualifications.

In essence, while salvation is a gift, the responsibility to share this gift through our actions and character is paramount. By living out the fruits of the Spirit, Christians can draw others to the faith, ensuring that the message of love and salvation continues to spread and flourish. Conversely, failing to live out these virtues not only tarnishes our witness but also alienates those seeking the true essence of Christianity. It is through genuine Christian living that we can truly be the light of the world, drawing others to the transformative power of Christ.

To further spread this message, we recently designed a brand new ASON T-Shirt based on the Fruits of the Spirit. The T-Shirts are available for $25 plus shipping. The T-Shirts were made by a member of the Adonai Ministry in the Dominican Republic. Please help us spread the message about the Fruits of the Spirit and help drive people to our website by proudly wearing “ason.org.” Let's be the church and Make a Difference!