Our lifestyle is dictated by our core values. The choices we make in life arise from what we consider to be important and valuable. We choose to do those things which we sense benefit us. Some people even choose what is known as an alternative lifestyle.
I’m all for an alternative lifestyle. It’s just that my alternative is not more of the same old flesh-driven, sinful-nature prone activities that just give me more grief and conflict. My alternative is a fruit-filled, Spirit-directed lifestyle which enables me to bring maximum glory to God and good to others. Lifestyle does matter!
What I find, however, is that my attempts to overcome my sinful nature are generally futile. When I make a self-directed attempt to radically change some aspect of my lifestyle I usually succeed, but only temporarily. Lasting change never seems to last. But there is good news.
When we chose to respond to God and to accept Christ and turn from our way to His way, He gave us a resource to help us become more like Him.
Over the last three weeks we have learned about the resource Jesus gave us— the Holy Spirit. The Holy Spirit produces supernatural change in those who will give Him that opportunity. As we grow in our knowledge of God and our experience of trusting Him more, the Holy Spirit will produce lifestyle changes in us that will last. They last because He performs the change in our inner core. He changes us from the inside out. I trust that you will allow God to produce fruit in your life. Jesus said, “by their fruit you will recognize them.” (Matt. 7:20). Do people recognize God because of your lifestyle? Maybe it is time for you to bear some fruit.
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