Jay's Message- June 25

Galatians 5:22-25

Last month’s article asked the question, “Whose vision is it, anyway,” regarding the general direction God sets for His people. We must be committed to learning what pleases God (Colossians 1:9-12) and committing to that standard of living.

To do this we have to stay in the Word. That’s where we receive the knowledge and direction to apply it. There is life-altering power in the Word (Romans 15:4; 2 Timothy 3:14-17; Hebrews 4:12).

Then we must rely on the encouragement, exhortation, and comfort of the Holy Spirit work-ing through the Word within us. Note it is the fruit of the Spirit that influences us: those incredible virtues and helps listed in Galatians 5:22 & 23. The things of the age in which we live, the things the world says are right that God says are wrong- the “passions and desires” of verse 24, we learn are harmful and will only bring us alienation from God and ultimately destruction. When we accept Jesus, we “crucify” those passions and desires- the flesh no longer rules us, Christ does, as we live governed by the Spirit (Galatians 5:16-18)!

Pleasing God brings joy in knowing we are serving Him. Pleasing God brings joy as we show others Jesus, and the way He can become their Savior and Lord.

Make it your goal every day to prioritize pleasing God (Colossians 1:10)!