Christianity (Part 1)

"But the fruit of the Spirit is love, joy, peace, longsuffering, kindness, goodness, faithfulness, gentleness, self-control. Against such there is no law." Galatians 5:22,23

The summer of fifth grade I went to our yearly children's camp with my church. There were probably around three hundred of us precious and sincere souls at camp that summer. The theme for that week was "The Fruits of the Spirit" and each cabin represented one of the fruits. I was in the "long-suffering" cabin. We studied all week about each fruit but when we were in our own cabin we concentrated on being patient.

During that week we were to take into account each person in our cabin and notice if she embodied someone who is "long-suffering". By the last day we voted on who we thought should carry the title into the closing ceremonies and be the spokesperson for our cabin. Whoever won the title of the cabin was to then stand before the entire assembly and do their best at convincing the crowd that they were true to their status.

Well, I was voted "Most Long-Suffering" so that meant I had to go before six hundred eyes and speak. I was terrified to put it lightly. I was the older of the whole governing body of campers and would be leaving a legacy of how the "senior" class should conduct themselves and be an example of a true, noble upperclassman. Everyone including our sincere counselor encouraged me that I would do great. I would definitely win the prize hands down! I gave myself a pep-talk and practiced my speech, trying to memorize it as best I could.

When it was my turn to walk down the long intimidating isle and up the stairs that never ended and onto the platform, behind the too tall microphone stand I regret to tell you...I froze (like a deer in headlights)! I could not speak a word. I couldn't swallow, breathe, move any body part for that matter.

Needless to say I did not win the prize, whatever the prize was...I don't remember. The only thing I do remember is how my eyes felt inside my head...unblinking, it's a strange feeling I do not want to ever relive. I was suspended in time...the next thing I can recount was sitting back in my seat with all of my peers huddled around me encouraging me (or pitying me) with pats on the back.

The Fruit of the Spirit is that which grows in you by means of submission to the Holy Spirit. We cannot possess any of these until we accept Jesus as our Savior. He guides us in our spiritual walk, teaching us and showing us how to live for Him. Through that we receive the fruits, maybe some more than others in the beginning, but we have to be humble and submissive to His will. We have to strive to walk with Christ daily and seek a personal relationship with Him, then the fruits can develop, grow and mature within us.

So girls, chase after the One who holds your future. Stand tall so that you can see over that "too tall microphone" and give it your all. Humbly show others the fruit that you bear so that they will be intrigued by the difference between you and the world.

I love you & He loves you more!

Lord, May we walk with You daily and breathe in the fragrance of the fruit we are to bear. May we be transformed and empowered spiritually by Your loving grace, and may the hardships we face be easier to cope with because of our closer walk with You. Amen.