In The Zone
I remember times in athletics when I experienced being "in the zone". In basketball it happened most frequently in pick-up games...when it seemed like every shot I put up would go in the hoop. It's almost an other worldly experience. In high school football I was a kicker (as well as a wide receiver, so don't bash me about that!) and made every extra point my senior season until missing one in the play-offs...30+. It was automatic; I was "in the zone". But being in the zone is nothing magical, as much as it is the result of much disciplined practice that went into that sport coming together to make things seemautomatic.
In a similar way, Paul describes the "fruit of the Spirit" to the churches in Galatia as being love, joy, peace, patience, kindness, goodness, faithfulness, gentleness, and self-control. These things just don't happen out of the blue. This "fruit" is the result of the practice of "walking by the Spirit". It is a discipline...involving prayer, meditation on God's Word, obedience to God's Word, and active participation in the life of the Church using the gifts the Spirit has given you. When we live out these disciplines (alone and in community), we will soon find ourselves "in the zone"...with a life together that demonstrates the fruit Paul listed...and a church that actually reflects the image of our Lord Jesus Christ. To reflect Jesus is our purpose in life and cannot be done without the Holy Spirit's power. Let's remember that as we prepare for worship Sunday....together!
God's grace and peace to you,
Dave
