image from adventist.org
Christians not living like Christians troubles me. OK, I’m more troubled by THIS Christian who doesn’t always act like he should. However, this human affliction applies to us all. But maybe we can do something about it. Over my years of following Jesus, I’ve been intrigued by how many studies indicate a behavioral/faith disconnect by many followers of Jesus. The Christian sociologist George Barna examined how five different faith groups, ranging from active to lukewarm followers to adherents of other faiths to atheists, did on 18 behavioral issues that constitute morality.
Except for the most active followers of Jesus, most groups’ behaviors were pretty much the same. Barna’s conclusion: “Many Christians are hard-pressed to convert belief into action.” Look at how Jesus describes genuine faith, “By their fruit you will recognize them. Do people pick grapes from thornbushes, or figs from thistles? Likewise every good tree bears good fruit, but a bad tree bears bad fruit. A good tree cannot bear bad fruit, and a bad tree cannot bear good fruit” (Matthew 7:16-18).
Fruit is the result of a healthy organism. In its first year, our plum tree bore leaves. The second we harvested two small plums. This year, the fifth, the tree has so much fruit that a branch broke. In the spiritual realm, fruit, the mark of authentic faith, is results. Obviously, if plum trees bring plums, then followers should bring followers. Or, we have a positive spiritual influence on others. But fruit also means, like our plum tree, that we grow spiritually. We become more Christ-like, more godly, more productive.
Now, what traits did Barna find in the most fruitful group? They believed in the accuracy of the Bible. They felt responsible to share their faith. They greatly valued their faith. They believed Jesus was the sinless son of God. They believed Satan is real Or, their faith in God changed their lives.
So how do we know our faith is genuine? Do we see increasing results in our lives? Our obedience becomes more consistent. We influence others more. Please keep in mind, none are perfect and sinless, but we should sin less. Do we move in God’s direction?
Jesus’ describes spiritual growth as coming from the inside out, “No good tree bears bad fruit, nor does a bad tree bear good fruit. Each tree is recognized by its own fruit. People do not pick figs from thornbushes, or grapes from briers. The good man brings good things out of the good stored up in his heart, and the evil man brings evil things out of the evil stored up in his heart. For out of the overflow of his heart his mouth speaks. Why do you call me, ‘Lord, Lord,’ and do not do what I say?” (Luke 6:43-46).
Here are the two keys: first, we nurture a spiritual connection with God, we allow the Spirit to fill us regularly. The Spirit will then bring these results into our lives, “But the fruit of the Spirit is love, joy, peace, patience, kindness, goodness, faithfulness, gentleness and self-control” (Galatians 5:22-23).
Those are the character traits of God, and as we nurture each trait, as I nurture the fruit on our plum tree, we see God imbed his character in ours, and inner spiritual growth begins to be seen on our outside lives.
Maybe the key to having significant spiritual results: love God deeply and grow in his character. THEN comes changed behavior.
Our plan: for the next nine months, on the first Monday of each month, the Unconventional post will explore how to nurture one of the facets of the fruit of the Spirit. I hope it transforms my life. And yours.
Kick Starting the Application
Are you satisfied with the behavioral changes you’ve made in your life? With the spiritual impact you have on others? Are you willing to connect more with God, and to nurture each dimension of the Spirit’s fruit?
Note: I have some copies left of my first book, Deep Down: Character Change Through the Fruit of the Spirit, which covers similar material. If you’d like a copy for $10 including shipping, email me at timriter@aol.com. I think I can convince the author to sign them. 😊