Got Fruit?

A while back there was an advertising campaign to promote drinking milk. The faces of celebrities and common people of all ages would appear on billboards, city buses and television screens proudly displaying a milk mustache. Beneath this image would be the simple statement “Got Milk?” These ads became very popular and soon variations began popping up. “Got _____?” The blank could be filled with anything. Got cookies? Got math? Got pets? Even, got Jesus? These and many, many more became catchphrases. `

I recently saw a T-shirt with the statement “Got Fruit?” On the reverse side of the shirt was the Scripture reference to the fruit of the spirit. Immediately the connection to the “Got Milk?” advertising campaign came to mind. The apostle Paul encourages us to develop the fruit of the Spirit. “But the fruit of the [Holy] Spirit [the work which His presence within accomplishes] is love, joy (gladness), peace, patience (an even temper, forbearance), kindness, goodness (benevolence), faithfulness, Gentleness (meekness, humility), self-control (self-restraint, continence). Against such things there is no law [that can bring a charge].” (Galatians 5:22-23 AMP) As I contemplated the question on the T-shirt, I thought of the milk mustache from the original ads. When we develop this fruit in our lives there will be visible evidence readily seen by those around us.

Jesus commanded us to love one another. “I give you a new commandment: that you should love one another. Just as I have loved you, so you too should love one another. By this shall all [men] know that you are My disciples, if you love one another [if you keep on showing love among yourselves].” (John 13:34-35 AMP) True love, the key to following this mandate, is described by John in his second letter. “And what this love consists in is this: that we live and walk in accordance with and guided by His commandments (His orders, ordinances, precepts, teaching). This is the commandment, as you have heard from the beginning that you continue to walk in love [guided by it and following it].” (2 John 6 AMP) When we follow all of the teachings of Jesus to the best of our ability, we will walk in this selfless love.

Consistent behavior, regardless of what we are facing, draws the attention of those around us. In difficult situations, true joy will keep us strong. ^“And be not grieved and depressed, for the joy of the Lord is your strength and stronghold.” (Nehemiah 8:10b AMP) By praying, trusting and thanking God, we can also remain peaceful in every situation. “Do not fret or have any anxiety about anything, but in every circumstance and in everything, by prayer and petition (definite requests), with thanksgiving, continue to make your wants known to God. And God's peace [shall be yours, that tranquil state of a soul assured of its salvation through Christ, and so fearing nothing from God and being content with its earthly lot of whatever sort that is, that peace] which transcends all understanding shall garrison and mount guard over your hearts and minds in Christ Jesus.” (Philippians 4:6-7 AMP) Consistency is noticeable.

How we interact with others when we are controlled by the Holy Spirit and bear His fruit will become apparent to all. In a world where patience is in short supply we can stand out when we, ^“Rejoice and exult in hope; be steadfast and patient in suffering and tribulation; be constant in prayer.” (Romans 12:12 AMP) Others may be looking out for number one, but we can display kindness. ^“And become useful and helpful and kind to one another, tenderhearted (compassionate, understanding, loving-hearted), forgiving one another [readily and freely], as God in Christ forgave you.” (Ephesians 4:32 AMP) We can reach out to others with only the intention of benefiting them. “So then, as occasion and opportunity open up to us, let us do good [morally] to all people [not only being useful or profitable to them, but also doing what is for their spiritual good and advantage]. Be mindful to be a blessing, especially to those of the household of faith [those who belong to God's family with you, the believers].” (Galatians 6:10 AMP)

We serve the God who is faithful in everything. As we follow the example of Jesus Christ we will also be faithful in both little and big things. “He who is faithful in a very little [thing] is faithful also in much…” (Luke 16:10a AMP) This is accomplished by turning our own desires over to the Lord. We are practicing self-control when we set aside our rights to fulfill God’s plan. “For those who are according to the flesh and are controlled by its unholy desires set their minds on and pursue those things which gratify the flesh, but those who are according to the Spirit and are controlled by the desires of the Spirit set their minds on and seek those things which gratify the [Holy] Spirit.” (Romans 8:5 AMP)

Does this lifestyle seem impossible? Acting in our own strength it would be. “…With men [it is] impossible, but not with God; for all things are possible with God.” (Mark 10:27b AMP) The key to showing visible evidence in all of these areas can be summed up in one passage. “Therefore be imitators of God [copy Him and follow His example], as well-beloved children [imitate their father]. And walk in love, [esteeming and delighting in one another] as Christ loved us and gave Himself up for us...” Ephesians 5:1-2a (AMP) When we live with this as our motto, we will display the fruit of the Spirit in everything that we do. It will be far more obvious than any milk mustache.

That the fruit of the Holy Spirit grow and develop in your life. Imitate Jesus in all that you do and the world will see this fruit in you.