Works of the flesh are common,

Never needing to be learned.

Their call to us unending,

Demanding a filter to discern.

Self examination is required,

What are “things like these” observed?

A mind prepared for revelation,

And conviction to be served.

Reaching higher for restoration,

The Word of God will soon reveal,

The fruit which we are longing,

Grows from The Vine we must instill.

From where are we connected,

That is where such things do flow.

“Things like these” of the culture,

Or does God’s true vine fruit there grow?

The Fruit of the Spirit is hindered,

In the weeds of “things like these”.

For the spirit will make the master,

Of a heart’s choice to let it be.

When we allow God’s Holy Spirit,

To be the master our soul.

The fruit of His vine growing,

Renders “things like these” controlled.

Wendi Maddox

Author’s Look~

Paul wrote a letter to the church warning about the works of the flesh and service to them; and as he listed many, he also eluded to “things like these”. He was not trying to give a check list to name every one (wouldn’t that be a long list), but was saying . . .you get the gist. . .works of the flesh. Paul’s desire for them as a spiritual leader was to rise up higher in their walk with God and not fall to eternal destruction from the choices they were making. His words are still true for us today.

Warning

Galatians 5:19 (ESV) Now the works of the flesh are evident: sexual immorality, impurity, sensuality, idolatry, sorcery, enmity, strife, jealousy, fits of anger, rivalries, dissensions, divines, envy, drunkenness, orgies, and things like these. I warn you, as I warned you before, that those who do such things will not inherit the kingdom of God.

Sounds like a convicting sermon at this point, but in the very next verse, Paul encourages with the hope of a life well lived. A life connected to the True Vine of Christ, where the fruit of the spirit can grow and show up in our lives to bless others.

Hope

Galatians 5:22-24 (ESV). . .But the fruit of the Spirit is love, joy, peace, patience, kindness, goodness, faithfulness, (23) gentleness, self-control; against such things thee is no law (24) And those who belong to Christ Jesus have crucified the flesh with its passions and desires.

Not ending his letter on a down note, Paul spoke of the hope in Christ Jesus, displaying how we can live unto God and not our own flesh, and directing where being an overcomer in this world begins . . . with self.

What Leads you?

Self examination is crucial, and when the prayer is prayed, “Lord search me for ‘things like these'” . . What is it inside of my heart that needs to change direction? Am I connected to the vine of Christ, so that His Fruit may grow in my life and produce wonderful things for His glory? Or, am I just living for myself, following the culture, influenced by its whims, seeking to satisfy the flesh?

It is true that the spirit makes the master, so we have to be careful of what we are allowing to abide inside of our hearts. Is God’s Spirit there, guiding, directing and growing the Fruit of His spirit? We have to be sure of what power source we are plugged in to, because THAT will determine everything which comes out of us. We will walk and act according to the spirit within us.

Galatians 5:25 (ESV). . . If we live by the Spirit, let us also keep in step with the Spirit.

The Difference

Christ Jesus living inside of us makes a difference to our own selves and to others, while bringing the promise of life eternal with Him one day. This is not suggesting a life of perfection, but one of pursuing. Daily we must check in, decide and adjust, to allow the Fruit of the Spirit to master our house of clay.

Psalm 139:23-24 (KJV). . Search me, O God, and know my heart: Try me and know my thoughts: And see if there by any wicked way in me, and lead me in the way everlasting.

Search me, O God!