BIBLE READING: Galatians 5.25; Ephesians 2.8-10; Ephesians 5.1-21; 1 John 1.5-2.6; 3 John 1.2-4

Several weeks ago, I took my girls to see “Mary Poppins” at the Opera House in town. It was a favorite of mine growing up and my kids have recently come to love the music. The girls were thoroughly impressed by the actress who played Mary Poppins; but it was the actor who played Bert that impressed me the most. If you’re familiar with the movie, Bert is peculiar but likable. From the thick British street accent and animated facial expressions to his lanky dance style, the original character is utterly unique. And yet somehow this actor managed to capture the essence of Bert. It was obvious he had put in hours of practice to perfectly emulate the iconic character in the way that he walked. I specifically remember one scene when he strutted across the stage with his chimney sweeper in tow, and hand in his pocket where I did a double take to see if that was actually Dick Van Dyke. This man had become his character and it gave the story vibrance and life.

It has been said that imitation is the sincerest form of flattery; but as a believer, I would suggest that it is the sincerest form of faith. “Therefore, be imitators of God, as beloved children…” (Ephesians 5.1). We are on a journey to not only learn from Christ but to become like him, even adopting the way he walked (1 John 2.5-6). In the context of 1 John 2, he tells us what that looks like: Exposing and repenting of sin (1 John 1.5-10) and practicing obedience to the commandments of Jesus (1 John 2.3-4). It is understanding that Jesus was utterly obedient to the Father’s will his entire life and has called us to do likewise (1 Peter 2.21-23).

We must remember that faith is not defined by single event. We crucify the flesh with its passions and desires (Galatians 5.24); but then we continue to take deliberate action day by day (Romans 12.1-2; Galatians 2.20). “If we live by the Spirit, we must also keep in step with the Spirit” (Galatians 5.25). Our walk is more than just our witness to faith in Jesus. It is what determines the outcome of our life. The way that seems right to us will not work (Proverbs 14.12; Ephesians 2.1-3). So, we must daily be directed by the word of God, the example of Jesus and the encouragement of the Spirit to walk the path to God.

Imitating Christ is not an addition to our lives, but an endeavor that will shape who people see when they look at us. We must observe our lives and ask the question: Will people know Christ by the way I walk? Do I promote him through my speech? Do I participate in the things he did? Does my pattern of life reflect where he went, whom he was with, what was important to him? Would others do a double-take because my life looks so much like Jesus?

“…whoever says he abides in him ought to walk in the same way in which he walked.” (1 John 2.6)

BIBLE READING: Galatians 2.20; 5.24; Ephesians 4.17-24; Romans 6.3-14; Colossians 3.1-10; Mark 8.34-38

The cross is so flippantly portrayed in ‘Christian culture’ that we can forget it was a torture device. Those subjected to the cross were typically the worst of society, whom the Romans deemed ‘worthy’ of suffering and humiliation. As documented in gospels regarding Jesus, the process meticulously stripped away dignity and flesh little by little. He was mocked and abused, stripped and flogged to the point his human form was unrecognizable (Mark 15.16-20; Isaiah 52.14). In this weakened state, many were forced to carry the cross to the place they would die. Jesus did so with help, only to be nailed to the cross and hung up as a spectacle for everyone to see.

Crucifixion gave no mercy to the condemned. The process ensured that death was excruciating, humiliating and total. This is the kind of death Christ suffered for us. But not only that; he calls us to put ourselves to death in the same way:

• “If anyone would come after me, let him deny himself, take up his cross and follow me.” (Mark 8.35).
• “…those who belong to Christ Jesus have crucified the flesh with its passions and desires.” (Galatians 5.24)
• “We know that our old self was crucified with him in order that the body of sin might be brought to nothing, so that we would no longer be enslaved to sin.” (Romans 6.6)
• “Put to death what is earthly in you…” (Colossians 3.5)

We must not take lightly the intentional use of this metaphor. Jesus doesn’t tell us to work on ourselves and rest on his grace as we struggle with sin. He calls us to crucify our passions and desires. We must take an active and deliberate role to totally eradicate our former life from existence. To do so…

• Our activities must be meticulous. We must evaluate our behavior, take every thought captive (2 Corinthians 10.5) and make the best use of the time (Ephesians 5.15-17). Remember: the works of the flesh are evident (Galatians 5.19). We must deal with them when they are exposed and submit to Jesus’ will for us. There can be no shred of life allowed from our old self in the way we behave.
• Our attitude must be intent. We cannot be satisfied with losing. We are empowered to do all things through Christ and must not allow our flesh to rule in us any longer. Our attitude must be, “I can, and I must.” That’s how Jesus felt despite his weakness in the flesh (Luke 22.42)… how could we do anything less?
• Our commitment must be total. Dead things don’t come back to life apart from Jesus. If the works of the flesh are evident in my life, it is because I haven’t made the choice to eradicate them. This is an on-going and daily process (Colossians 3.5-10; Romans 12.1-2), that we must not concede to apathy.

The fruit of the Spirit only grows in hearts cultivated with these choices. If you want to benefit from and bear fruit of the Spirit, you must crucify the flesh with its passions and desires and allow God’s word to take root in your heart. This is our identity, and this is our calling. “I have been crucified with Christ. It is no longer I who live, but Christ who lives in me. And the life I now live in the flesh I live by faith in the Son of God, who loved me and gave himself for me.” (Galatians 2.20)

BIBLE READING: Acts 24.24-25

The Jews wanted to destroy Paul, but he had mercifully come into Roman custody during their last aggression (Acts 21.30-33). As a Roman citizen, Paul was able to manipulate the situation in his favor and was transported to the governor Felix for a proper hearing (Acts 23.16-24).  The Jewish authorities employed a professional spokesperson who buttered up the governor and bullied Paul with false accusations (Acts 24.1-9). But Paul was unphased. He boldly explained his teaching “according to the Way” and reasonably challenged their accusations (Acts 24.10-21).

It appears both the topic and the interaction piqued Felix’s interest. Perhaps Felix was intrigued by Paul’s boldness and self-control in this moment. No doubt, Paul behavior in this circumstance was an unusual sight. But we’re also told Felix was familiar with “the Way” and wanted to hear more; so, he put the Jews off (Acts 24.22).

After some days, he listened to Paul teach about faith in Christ Jesus. “And as [Paul] reasoned about righteousness and self-control and the coming judgment, Felix was alarmed…” (Acts 24.25). His demeanor immediately changed with such invasive teaching. Despite Felix’s accurate knowledge of “the Way” (24.22), the applications regarding righteousness and self-control were shocking. “…and [he] said, “Go away for the present…” (24.25b).

Felix’s response should draw our attention. In nearly every age, self-control is counter cultural. Sure, it is noble and necessary [sometimes], but culture’s inherent selfishness will never tolerate it. Perhaps this was too personal for Felix. Perhaps he had vices he was unwilling to let go. Perhaps the influences of a carnal culture and political aspirations glowed too brightly. Perhaps he simply didn’t want to accept the changes Paul had explained so clearly. I suppose this could be true for us all. We war with the desires of the flesh which are clear and pressing (Galatians 5.17). We would rather indulge than make hard changes that God calls us to make. But when it comes down to it, faith in Christ rests on our willingness to bear fruit of self-control.

I believe this virtue completes the list of fruits of the Spirit on purpose. Just as life in the Spirit is initiated by love observed and practiced (1 John 3.1), it is sustained and secured through daily dying to self (Romans 12.1-2) and learning to control the desires of the flesh (Romans 8.13). In a word, to walk by the Spirit we must have self-control.

This admonition is critical and practical. “A [person] without self-control is like a city broken into and left without walls” (Proverbs 25.28). In other words, self-control is the basic defense against influences around us. It keeps us from getting swept up in the emotion of the moment or the persuasion of others. It helps us to see our own selfish for what it is and what we must do about it. Those around us may scoff at our restraint (1 Peter 4.3-5), but we must “discipline ourselves for godliness” (1 Timothy 4.7-8). “For the grace of God has appeared, bringing salvation for all people, training us to renounce ungodliness and worldly passions, and to live self-controlled, upright, and godly lives in the present age…” (Titus 2.11-12).

You may feel inconsistent and challenged to engage in daily discipline and self-control. But the truth is this: Good fruit comes from good roots. When Jesus’ teaching and example are rooted in your heart, you will bear the fruit of self-control.

BIBLE READING: Galatians 6.1

Think about things we handle gently:

• Delicate items like fine china or old pictures.
• Objects that can break easily like eggs or mirrors.
• Things that are fragile and helpless like a wounded animal or a newborn child.

To properly handle these things requires a thoughtful approach, a practiced touch and maturity. We are not born with an inclination towards gentleness. If you don’t believe me, watch children play with anything. There’s a reason they get plasticware and not fine china. Watch them interact with others who are hurt. They look dumbfounded. But with experience and maturity they learn to handle objects and circumstances with gentleness. Such is true in our spiritual walk. It requires maturity and learning to deal with fragile people and their circumstances.

“Brothers, if anyone is caught in any transgression, you who are spiritual should restore him in a spirit of gentleness…” (Galatians 6.1).

You can’t handle this kind of person with a heavy hand. It’s like when animals are caught in a trap. They tend to respond from fear rather than gratitude. They react in self-defense even to those who want to help. Those who approach them must not only be aware of their condition but of the effects it has had on them. So, it is with people overtaken with sin. Their spirits have been damaged by the lies of the devil, their own failure to overcome, and hurts from unmet expectations. They are afraid and often lash out against those who are trying to help them.

As we walk by the Spirit, we must develop a spirit of gentleness in our approach to others. We must understand that sin causes damage and distress, and requires both patience and gentleness. Of course, this quality is learned from Jesus. In contrast to the staunch and unapproachable Pharisees, Jesus would go to the needy, helpless and suffering with an offering of hope. “Come to me, all who labor and are heavy laden, and I will give you rest. Take my yoke upon you and learn from me, for I am gentle and lowly in heart, and you will find rest for you souls” (Matthew 11.28-29). He would deal gently even with the misguided Pharisees and his disciples along the way (ex. John 9.40-41 and Matthew 16.5-12). Even in his perfect understanding, Jesus gently cared for the spirits of people with a thoughtful approach and practiced touch.

Gentleness is a defining quality of the spiritual person and is paramount in our relationships with one another (Galatians 6.1). In fact, it is a primary means through which we develop and foster unity, (Ephesians 4.2), and is something spiritual people should be eager to maintain (Ephesians 4.3). As Paul would say, our practice of gentleness is a worthy and proper response to the calling of Jesus (Ephesians 4.1). So, let us “be gentle, and… show perfect courtesy toward all people” (Titus 3.2).

BIBLE READING: Luke 12.35-48

The way things are in our world, faithfulness is rare. Our culture supports the pursuit of the immediate and trendy, conditioning hearts and minds to move from thing to thing and person to person without much thought. We are encouraged to try activities and friendships on like clothing to find the right fit. And though there’s nothing wrong with searching for the talents and relationships that will allow us grow, we must plant the seeds of faithfulness in our heart.

Faithfulness is the basic calling of every believer. After all, “we are saved by grace through faith” (Ephesians 2.8). “Without faith, it is impossible to please God” (Hebrews 11.6). It is fundamental and critical; but do we understand the expected fruit of faithfulness? Jesus instructs us with a parable in Luke 12.35-48.

“Who then in the wise and faithful manager?” (Luke 12.42). It is someone…

• …Always ready to serve the master (Luke 12.36). These men had a “mundane” role, but they were ready the moment the master knocked on the door.  They were waiting and prepared to do what the master employed them to do. We must understand our role as servants (Luke 17.10) and always be prepared to serve, even in the most mundane ways. This requires determination to stay…
• …Awake and aware (Luke 12.37). Faithful people aren’t lulled into apathy. They aren’t looking for ‘better’ opportunities to fulfil their wants. They are determined to fulfil their role and make the best use of their time (Ephesians 5.14-17). Notice these faithful servants don’t indulge in thoughtless pleasure like others (12.45b). They don’t presume they’ll have another opportunity (12.45a). They don’t presume they know what the master is up to (12.46). They have their mind fixed on what the master wants from them.
• …Doing what they know is right (Luke 12.43). They don’t put off their work. They don’t let their desires get the best of them. They rise to the expectation, understanding the calling and purpose of the master (12.48b). They are stewards and the right thing to do is to honor the master with faithful service. As Paul would remind you and me, we are stewards, and it is required that stewards be found faithful (1 Corinthians 4.1-2)

It’s important to note that Jesus packages his answer in the context of the reward (Luke 12.42-44). It is the faithful who will be rewarded, blessed and served by the master himself (Luke 12.37b)! This should be obvious but sends a clear message: faithfulness is not optional. We have been called to faithfulness by the One who is faithful to always do what he says (Deuteronomy 7.9; 2 Thessalonians 3.3; Hebrews 10.23). It is by his faithfulness and our efforts to imitate it that we experience forgiveness of sins (Proverbs 16.6). And so, “let not steadfast love and faithfulness forsake you; bind them around your neck; write them on the tablet of your heart. So you will find favor and good success in the sight of God and man” (Proverbs 3.3-4).