The last couple of posts have been regarding the arrival as well as the gifts of the Holy Spirit. I would expect that we each have a story or two to tell of how the Holy Spirit has shown Himself in our lives. I pray that each of us has come to know the Holy Spirit personally as he touches and guides our lives. As we walk as the Spirit leads us we will begin to change from worldly creatures, driven by the desires of self and desires of the flesh. The gifts of the Holy Spirit will begin to bear fruit and we will transform into beings who are driven by the Spirit, mindful of things that make us more holy, children of God.
Dublin Christ Church Cathedral
The Desires of the Flesh vs. the Fruits of the Holy Spirit
Saint Paul wrote of the Fruits of the Spirit in his letter to the Church in Galatia. He told the Galatians that the fruits of the Spirit were in direct opposition to the desires of the flesh.
16 But I say, walk by the Spirit, and you will not gratify the desires of the flesh. 17 For the desires of the flesh are against the Spirit, and the desires of the Spirit are against the flesh, for these are opposed to each other, to keep you from doing the things you want to do.” Galatians 5:16-17 ESV
Mankind is weak-willed when it comes to the desires of the flesh. We are all too easily distracted and even more easily swayed. It is far too easy today to follow our flawed nature. St. Paul goes on to identify the desires of the flesh and to point out their danger.
19 Now the works of the flesh are evident: sexual immorality, impurity, sensuality, 20 idolatry, sorcery, enmity, strife, jealousy, fits of anger, rivalries, dissensions, divisions, 21 envy, drunkenness, orgies, and things like these. I warn you, as I warned you before, that those who do such things will not inherit the kingdom of God. Galatians 5:19-21 ESV
The Fruits of the Holy Spirit come with an Inheritance
Finally, Paul tells us that if we use the gifts of the Holy Spirit; wisdom, understanding, counsel, fortitude, knowledge, piety, Fear of the Lord, they will manifest in us and bear fruit. That fruit will lead us to our Heavenly reward.
22 But the fruit of the Spirit is love, joy, peace, patience, kindness, goodness, faithfulness, 23 gentleness, self-control; against such things there is no law. 24 And those who belong to Christ Jesus have crucified the flesh with its passions and desires. Galatians 5 22-24 ESV
Lead Me Holy Spirit
So, as Jesus was preparing to ascend to Heaven, He promised to ask the Father to send us a Helper. The Father sent us the Holy Spirit to be that helper, that guide to light our path. He came with a great commotion that Pentecost Day long ago and rested upon the Twelve. By the power of the Holy Spirit, Peter addressed the thousands of Jews who were gathered and they too received the Spirit. Through the succession of generations, we too, have received, been counseled, led, and strengthened. Within us, the seeds of Salvation have been sown. We must bear fruit. The Fruits of the Holy Spirit.
8 For the one who sows to his own flesh will from the flesh reap corruption, but the one who sows to the Spirit will from the Spirit reap eternal life. 9 And let us not grow weary of doing good, for in due season we will reap, if we do not give up. Galatians 6:8-9 ESV
Father, I pray that each of us gathered here will receive the gifts of the Holy Spirit and that they will grow within us, bearing fruit through their use and practice. Erase our fears and send us into the world to love and serve with a compassionate heart. Let us become a reflection of your love for all who are lost, neglected, sick and downtrodden. Abba, I pray these things not for our glory, but for Your Glory. In Jesus‘ name, I pray. Amen
