As I was thinking about January traditions, the month of resolutions, I began asking how can we capture this season of re-purposing in a way that hones our family's focus on Christ and the gospel. There are one word trends, new habits for a new you, goals that meet the SMART acronym, etc.
Resolutions are rooted in resolve, right? For some reason that word - resolve - left me unsettled.
We needed more than resolve. There was a yearning, a longing stirring inside. We needed more of Him.
We needed to clearly set before us a year focused on what HE can accomplish IN us.
I was reading John 15 and verse seven snagged my heart.
My Father is glorified by this, that you bear much fruit and so prove to be my disciples.The fruit of the Spirit is only possible through the power of the Holy Spirit in a regenerated heart that recognizes its own powerlessness over sin and is utterly dependent upon Christ.
In Spurgeon's commentary on Galatians he writes,
"The text (Gal 5:22) speaks of 'fruit,' and fruit comes only from a rooted abiding. It could not be conceived of in connection with a transient sojourning, like that of a traveler. The stakes and tent pins that are driven into the ground for a nomad’s tent bear no fruit, for they do not remain in one place. Inasmuch as I read of the 'fruit of the Spirit,' I take comfort from the hint and conclude that He intends to abide in our souls as a tree abides in the soil when fruit is borne by it."If my desire is to help my children understand what it means to be a follower of Christ, verse seven gives me a beautiful picture. Disciples bear fruit. Fruit comes from abiding in Christ. Abiding in Christ comes from daily remembering the gospel and our dependence upon him.
Three of my children have recognized their sin, placed their faith in the saving work of Christ on the cross and profess to follow him. However, I am fully aware that the Lord alone knows their hearts and where they each are on their faith journey. Whether or not children are believers, meditating on Galatians 5 and John 15 places the gospel before them.
These passages remind me character training can only go so far. Good character doesn't necessarily bring glory to God. People of various faiths can demonstrate character, but the fruit that gives glory to God can only come from one rooted in Christ because the testimony will be...
"I have been crucified with Christ; and it is no longer I who live, but Christ lives in me; and the life which I now live in the flesh I live by faith in the Son of God, who loved me and gave Himself up for me." Galatians 2:20
2016
The whole family gathers as we lay out our fruit of the Spirit cards on the kitchen table after dinner.
Now it's time to share our hearts with each other. Dad reminds us to always lead with encouragement.
My oldest is up first.
What fruit do we already see God growing a fullness of in him? It is beautiful to see God's work in your life... faithfulness, goodness, self-control.
And then in love we each share what fruit we think he might consider asking the Holy Spirit to grow in his heart.
He takes his John 15 prayer card, and he chooses.
Jesus, abide in me and help me abide in you that I may bear fruit in my life. I recognize that apart from you I can do nothing.
This year, 2016, I ask your Holy Spirit to fill my heart with the fruit of...
May you be glorified in my life. In Jesus' name, AMEN.
And so we go around, letting everyone speak into our lives. Family building one another up in truth and grace and love.
And oh how bittersweet to hear what fruits my little people see in me and for which ones they would have me pray for growth. Lord, give me a humble heart to hear them, and let them see the power of your Spirit at work in my life.
Gospel Language and Fruit of the Spirit
A couple of summers ago, the boys and I did a study through the fruit of the Spirit. We still continually refer back to the activities and lessons we learned. That study sparked the continued cultivation of learning to use gospel language in our home. This new year activity will hopefully add toward that end.
PRINTABLES FOR YOUR FAMILY
*One note on these cards. I struggled to find fruit of the Spirit resources for children that were rooted in biblical definitions and had scripture references that stayed within the context of the specific Greek words used in Galatians. The definitions and corresponding memory verses on these cards came out of my own personal study using interlinear, cross-references, and commentary resources. This is simply a disclaimer, not a claim to have gotten it perfect! I welcome any constructive feedback at kathryn@stirringaffections.com.
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