Whatever else God has called us to do and to be it is all summed up in this: As believers we are called to be like Christ. But what does that look like and how do we do it? Are we called to speak with authority over demons because He has given us authority? Well, yes, but is that where you live? Are we called to be like Christ in the working of miracles? Well, yes, but do we make miracles happen? Are we called to be like Christ in a life of self-sacrifice. Well, yes, but what does my cross look like?

A good guideline for being like Christ is the sketch of Christ-like character called the "fruit of the Spirit". Not "fruits", but 'fruit." The "fruit of" a person's labor is the product of their work. If the Holy Spirit is at work in you and me, then there will be a product. The fruit of the Spirit is the evidence of the Holy Spirit at work in a person's life, in my life and yours. The Spirit of Christ.

So, here is a reminder of what that fruit, the evidence, that product of the Spirit's work, will be: Love, joy, peace, patience, kindness, goodness, gentleness, faithfulness and self-control. (Galatians 5:22-23) I know. You've heard it all before and there is just some of that fruit you and I aren't very good at. True, but God doesn't ask us to be good at it. He hasn't called us to make it happen. The truth is we can't make any of that fruit happen in us. I am not trying to be a downer here! There really is encouragement in that! God hasn't asked us to make it happen because it's the Holy Spirit's job to make it happen. Our job is to recognize our need for Him to do the work an then begin to cooperate with Him so that He can do it. We start to do that by admitting to Him that we can't.

I did not realize how impatient a person I was until I had a two-year old! This little person was determined to do things his way and not mine and I found myself frustrated and angry. I was dismayed to find out what was really inside of me. I didn't like it and didn't know how to change it. I knew that God wanted me to be patient and that I wasn't and that was all. Over a period of time, as I asked God to do the work in me and as I focused on just growing my relationship with Him, I found that I became more patient. The fruit of patience grew as a result of me seeking after God, not just seeking after patience.

As you and I allow the Holy Spirit to produce His fruit in our lives, we will find ourselves equipped to do a better job at everything else that God has asked us to do. Every task will become sweeter. The results of our interactions with others will be more loving. We will find ourselves growing into the people we were created to be. It will take time. The Holy Spirit has begun a good work in you and me and He won't stop until the day Jesus brings us home. Praise God!

Key Thought: It's the Holy Spirit's job to make us like Christ.

A Scripture to Consider:

And I am certain that God, who began the good work within you, will continue his work until it is finally finished on the day when Christ Jesus returns. Philippians 1:6

A YES Challenge: Is there a fruit of the Holy Spirit that you know you are lacking? Ask Him to develop that aspect of Christ's character in you.

Prayer:

Father, I am aware that I am lacking in Christ-like character. I wish I could just make it happen, but I realize that it is Your work, the work of the Holy Spirit in me, that produces that fruit. Help me to cooperate with You. Do your work in me so that I can represent You well in all I do. Amen.