Reflection

As churches and individuals, do we suffer from “Annual Report Syndrome”? (Don’t google it – I made it up!) No company wants to put out a poor annual report, but rather hopes that their report shows stellar overall growth, the establishment of several new branches (and closure of none), a glowing financial report and all goals not just met but exceeded. We are addicted to the appearance of success.

It is tempting to think that the fruit of our life and ministry should be able to be measured by numerical growth – maybe how many people we have helped to become followers of Christ or how many people attend our weekend church services. But those goals, while worthy, are not the measure of our life in the Spirit. Rather, we are to seek to grow in character that shows how we are becoming more like Christ day by day.

Question

Is there one aspect of the Fruit of the Spirit that is your sticking point? (For example, maybe you struggle to be self-controlled or patient.) Bring this particular matter to God in the prayer below.

Prayer

Loving God, help me to become more like Christ each day, as your Spirit works in my life. I bring before you my struggle with             – let your Spirit work in me so that I may truly reflect the fruit you want to see in my life. In Jesus name, Amen.