Fruits

We all want a life that produces things like peace, serenity, joy, and excitement. Most of us wish for this, hope for this, but never really think that it is actually possible. What if it is more than possible, but you can do it today?

But what happens when we live God's way? He brings gifts into our lives, much the same way that fruit appears in an orchard—things like affection for others, exuberance about life, serenity. We develop a willingness to stick with things, a sense of compassion in the heart, and a conviction that a basic holiness permeates things and people. We find ourselves involved in loyal commitments, not needing to force our way in life, able to marshal and direct our energies wisely.
Legalism is helpless in bringing this about; it only gets in the way. Among those who belong to Christ, everything connected with getting our own way and mindlessly responding to what everyone else calls necessities is killed off for good—crucified.

Galatians 5:22-25

The more we connect to God and God's spirit, the more we produce a way of living that is full of love for others, peace, and excitement about life. We begin to see that we are all conncected and compassion fills our heart. As God fills our lives, there is no more room for anger, bitterness, and impatience. We all think that if we keep enough "rules" that we will find out how to produce this kind of fruit in our lives. However, this is really attempting to "get our own way." The only way to find peace, love, and patience is to let go of the self and its need to make things hapen as we think is "should." This is a waste of energy and time to keep rules in an effort to feel peace. This really leads to more worry, running around, and frustration because we begin to wonder if we are keeping the rules "right." It is call legalism. When we just connect to God with our thoughts, think like Christ - when we just connect to God through how we act - we become humble like Christ - when we just connect to God through love - we love and forgive like Christ -we find gifts pure into our lives from living in this connection. These gifts are what we all are looking for - love, joy, peace.

Try it today, just think like, love like, and see if you do not act like Christ more and more each day. Notice when you are angry and turn it into love and humble yourself - watch love and peace show up. Allow someone in line in front of you in traffic or at the store - watch peace and joy show up. Begin these little steps each day and watch them grow - watch joy show up.

Namaste'