An Original

Reading: Galatians 5; Proverbs 22 25 Since this is the kind of life we have chosen, the life of the Spirit, let us make sure that we do not just hold it as an idea in our heads or a sentiment in our hearts, but work out its implications in every detail of our lives. 26 That means we will not compare ourselves with each other as if one of us were better and another worse. We have far more interesting things to do with our lives. Each of us is an original. (Galatians 5:25-26 MSG) I choose this kind of life, the life of the Spirit. When I attempt to live by my own religious plans and projects, I fall out of grace and grace falls out of me. When I let the Spirit lead, faith in Christ begins to express itself in love for others. When I allow my selfish ego to get its way, it invariably leads me into bondage to my own wants and desires and away from the freedom of the Spirit. 22 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, 23 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. (Galatians 5:22-23 MSG) When I live God’s way: I find I judge and criticize others less. I find I compare myself with others less. I find I am more trusting and less anxious. I find I am more relaxed and less driven. I find I am more creative and less frustrated. I find I am more interested in building bridges and less interested in building fences. When I really begin to work this into my life, to work this out in my life – when I ask God’s Spirit to fill me, to lead me, to energize me – my life becomes more peaceful and joyful. I have interesting things to do with my life. I’m an original! Prayer: Father, Thank you for my life. My ego so often wants legalism to prove it right, and false freedom to satisfy its desires. I choose the Spirit of grace that leads to a life of love, joy, and peace. I choose the life you’ve uniquely chosen and prepared for me. I choose to be the original me. Amen.