🌿 Devotional: Check Your Fruit

Scripture Reading: Galatians 5:16-23

In this passage of scripture, Paul explains to the Galatians how to decipher between when they are being led by their sinful nature and being led by the Spirit of God. When we are following our sinful nature, we normally call that “walking in the flesh.” He expresses in verse 17 that the sinful nature of man and the Spirit give us opposite desires. 

When we continue reading we learn how to identify the fruit of our sinful nature: “sexual immorality, impurity, lustful pleasures, idolatry, sorcery, hostility, quarreling, jealousy, outbursts of anger, selfish ambition, dissension, division, envy, drunkenness, wild parties, and other sins like these” (v. 19-21). Here we can see exactly what it means to walk in the flesh and how to tell when that's what we are doing.

In verse 16, Paul says, “Let the Spirit guide your lives.” We do that by following the desires of the Spirit. “The Holy Spirit produces this kind of fruit in our lives: love, joy, peace, patience, kindness, goodness, faithfulness, gentleness, and self-control” (v. 22). From this verse, we can begin to identify when we are operating in the Spirit because we will produce these kinds of fruit.

The goal is not perfection, but progression. When the Spirit leads, our character begins to reflect Christ—not overnight, but steadily and surely. Kingdom kids display kingdom characteristics.

Application

Here is how you can check your fruit:

• Examine your life honestly. Ask the Holy Spirit to reveal areas where the flesh may still be in control. And when He does (because He will), repent and make the necessary changes.

• Stay connected to the source. Spend intentional time in prayer, worship, and Scripture—fruit grows from relationship.

• Practice surrender daily. Choose to submit your reactions, decisions, and attitudes to God.

• Focus on growth, not comparison. God works uniquely in every believer; allow Him to cultivate fruit at His pace.
  

🙏 Prayer

God, help me to examine myself truthfully. Reveal to me where I have been giving in to the desires of my sinful nature. Help me to receive your correction and make changes immediately. I know that you chastise those you love and I thank you for correcting me. I desire to be an ambassador for your glory and a physical example of your presence wherever I am. I desire to be led by your Spirit at all times. I submit my will to you now and I adopt your will as my own. In Jesus’ name, amen.