A word fitly spoken is like APPLES OF GOLD in a setting of silver – Proverbs 25v11
Over the past weeks we have discussed the conflict that is constantly taking place between our natural will, called the flesh in the Bible, and our spiritual character, which is being developed by the Holy Spirit as explained in the Book of Galatians chapter 5 from verse 19-22.
Today we contrast fits of rage and selfish ambition with two of the fruits of the Spirit namely kindness and goodness, We are all guilty of fits of rage from time to time and hopefully we are embarrassed when we behave like that. Maybe we have tried to justify our actions by claiming extreme provocation or even our genes. Christ’s disciples John and James were so fiery that they were called sons of thunder, yet they changed and John even became known as the apostle of love. So, if you think your natural character is impossible to change you are mistaken – because the Holy Spirit can perform a miracle if you surrender your will to Him. He won’t leave a vacuum in your personality, but instead replace fits of rage by kindness which will change your life and those who are closest to you. In addition, your life will have real purpose and meaning.
Selfish ambition is the cause of so much negative impact on family, society and friends. It is characterized by the “big I” – my way, my comfort, my importance, my power, my everything. There is nothing wrong with ambition itself, but it must be accompanied by goodness and not cruelty. Goodness never takes advantage of others, but rather is selfless in its interaction with others. Some practical acts of goodness involve sharing time and resources with family, friends and those in the wider community who are less fortunate. It may also mean confronting someone about wrongful behaviour, though only after we have earned the right to do so by our interest and involvement with that person. Plettenberg Bay has been described as paradise – imagine what it would be if all its population were known as people of goodness and kindness
God Bless
Graeme Greenwood