On the other hand, if even one of the fruit is not operating in your life, you can’t be totally successful because that particular area will be the place where the enemy will concentrate his attack. Without the force of self-control, for example, even though you may have all the other spiritual fruit in operation, without that fruit to help you rein in your natural desires, you’ll be vulnerable to getting pulled off course by the lusts of your flesh.
That’s why, throughout the New Testament, God tells us continually to cultivate all the fruit of the spirit! He loves us and wants us to be overcomers. And that’s what the fruit empower us to do.
I first began to learn about the fruit of the spirit in 1988, a few weeks before our annual West Coast Believers’ Convention. I’d been fellowshipping with the Lord in preparation for the meetings and, as always, I asked Him, “Lord, what do You want me to preach?”
It usually takes a few days for me to discern what He’s saying. I have to listen to my spirit for a while until I’m sure I’ve heard clearly from Him. But that morning was different. He spoke to me so powerfully, I heard Him right away: I want you to teach on the fruit of the spirit, He said.
His answer totally surprised me. I’d never just taught on the fruit of the spirit. So I began an organized, in-depth study on it. I knew I’d received the Lord’s direction, so I dove in and got started!
I began searching my Bible, looking at the many scriptures that talk about the fruit of the spirit, and I got some wonderful books on the subject. Then, with all my resources piled around me, I read and prayed—hour after hour, day after day—and let the Holy Spirit teach me what you’re about to read.
What the Lord showed me not only blessed me, but it also changed my perception in a way that has impacted my life ever since.
A Strong Foundation for Victory
I don’t know about you, but I want to finish my life as a winner. When reward day comes, I want to hear Jesus say, “Well done, My good and faithful servant!” I’m sure you do, too. For that to happen, though, we’ll need to keep growing consistently in the fruit of the spirit.
26 : BVOV
