Lures for Fishing
God-Given Lures – Part 2

Scripture Reading: Galatians 5:19-26

Key Verse: Galatians 5:22

But the fruit of the Spirit is love, joy, peace, patience, kindness, goodness, faithfulness

As we continue to look at the God-given lures—the fruits of the Spirit—we must understand we don’t feel them; we live them! We feel our natural sinful nature, but we must act out the directions of the Holy Spirit in our inner being. Our nature will want to do evil, which is just the opposite of what the Spirit wants (Galatians 5:17). As we recognize these two forces within us—the sinful nature and God’s Spirit—we can decide which one to follow.

All of us would love it if it was “easy” to follow God’s Spirit—we like “easy buttons”! Unfortunately, it feels easier to follow our sinful nature in most situations. Our nature is the default mode; the Spirit’s directions take intentional effort. As we live our lives, over the years it becomes a little easier and more natural to follow the Spirit’s lead. This is a matter of spiritual growth and maturity that comes with years of Spirit led disciplines.

All this leads us back to the goal: becoming effective at influencing people for Christ; lures for fishing. The more we are obedient to the Spirit, the more we are loving, joyful, peaceful, patient, kind, good, faithful, gentle and self-controlled! These are powerful lures for fishing! As people see these in our lives, most will want what we have!

Father, as you fill me with your Spirit, I will learn to say no to my nature and yes to yours! In Jesus’ name, amen.