“Since we are living by the Spirit, let us follow the Spirit’s leading in every part of our lives.” Galatians 5:25
I was surprised recently to learn that there are 7,500 different varieties of apples around the world. There are at least 100 varieties of apples being grown and produced commercially right here in the U.S. And that’s just one type of fruit! The fruit industry as a whole is a $25 billion industry in just the U.S. alone. Wow, that’s a lot of fruit!
Paul gives us the secret to being big-time fruit producers ourselves. No, not from the natural perspective, but from the supernatural. (Supernatural just meaning something the “supersedes the natural.”) The key is found in the Holy Spirit, and specifically in Galatians 5:25 he says, “following (walking in) the Spirit’s leading in every part of our lives.”
So exactly what kind of fruit does the Spirit produce? He tells us in verses 22 and 23, “But the Holy Spirit produces this kind of fruit in our lives: love, joy, peace, patience, kindness, goodness, faithfulness, gentleness, and self-control. There is no law against these things!” Jesus tells us that what is on the inside of us will come out of us, and I find it interesting that these fruits, produced from the inside out just like natural fruit, are ultimately meant to be eaten and enjoyed by someone else. Have you ever seen an apple tree pick one of its own apples and eat it? Of course not. That fruit is there for us to pick up and take a bite, enjoying its delicious flavor.
Today and every day, we can rest in knowing we don’t have to produce our own fruit, but as we walk in the Holy Spirit, He Himself will produce amazing fruit that those around us will get to enjoy. And as they do, they’ll be pointed to Him.