“The fruit of the spirit is love, joy, peace, patience, kindness, goodness, faithfulness, gentleness, and self-control. Against such things there is no law” (Gal. 5:22-23).
We were talking about growing in the Lord and not being a baby in the things of Christ anymore.
Today’s Scripture begins, “the fruit of the spirit.” Note that “fruit” does not just appear on trees. You don’t walk out to an apple tree one day and see blossoms and the next day see apples.
The apples have to grow. First the blossom turns into a seed, which develops into a small apple, which grows into a large apple, which finally ripens.
This is the same thing that God wants to do in our life. We pray, “Cause me to mature so I grow fruit.” You don’t just pray for the fruit of the spirit, “God make me patient, God make me kind, God make me loving, God give me self-control, give it to me now.”
To mature and grow up as a Christian you must pursue making the fruit grow.
If fruit is going to grow, the seed must be planted, watered, and fertilized. The seed is the Word of God. You plant it in your heart. You begin to learn it, chew on it, and meditate on it. You water it: by partaking in praise and worship, cultivating a humble heart, and adding to your knowledge.
You keep learning more and more about the Lord so you can continue to exercise self-control in the areas you learn about.
The fruit of the spirit is self-control. Begin to demand that you do what you learn about. Picture yourself as a fruit tree, growing the fruit of the Spirit and constantly pursuing maturity and growth.
You are not somebody with just a bunch of blossoms, as a lot of Christians are. You don’t have just a lot of little baby fruit. Work to grow mature, healthy, plump, juicy fruit on your tree.
When people get around you they say, “Wow, you have really grown.” Those who see you from one month or from one year to the next will see a lot of growth in your life. In areas where you used to be impatient, you’re really patient. In areas where you used to be really rebellious, you’re really submissive.
Now take five minutes and memorize Galatians 5:22-23. Meditate on these verses as you begin to work on getting mature fruit in your life.
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Ron Luce was the co-founder and president of Teen Mania Ministries from 1986-2015. Ron and his wife Katie dreamed to raise young people who would change the world.
Ron received his bachelor's degree in Psychology and Theology from Oral Roberts University and his master's in Counseling Psychology from the University of Tulsa, along with an honorary doctorate from Jerry Falwell of Liberty University. He is a sought-after speaker who has traveled to more than 60 countries and has made numerous media appearances, such as Dr. James Dobson's Focus on the Family radio broadcast, CNN, The O'Reilly Factor, ABC Nightline, The 700 Club, Trinity Broadcasting Network, and the Sean Hannity Show. Ron has also written 35 books for teens, youth pastors, and parents and continues to speak at leaders' conferences helping parents and pastors understand the plight of today's youth and showing them how all of us can be part of the solution.
Ron and Katie currently live in Garden Valley, Texas, with their son Cameron. They have two daughters, Hannah and Charity.