Day 9 of 50

READING GUIDE:

• Read today's devotion below.
• During days 8-14 (at your own pace) read chapters 3 thru 6 from Joining Jesus on His Mission.
• After days 8-14, meet with your small group and follow the back-of-the-book discussion guide for SESSION 2.

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

Those who belong to Christ Jesus are marked by these attributes. And the world is watching.

I recently heard an overseas missionary speak of an experience with his not-yet-Christian neighbor. It had been about 8 years since the missionary and his family moved into the community. The neighbor, after the 8 years, shared a confession with the missionary. He said, “When you first moved next door, I had no interest in talking about God with you. I was skeptical. Since then, over the years, I’ve watched how you live your life. I’ve seen how you’ve raised your kids. I see how you love and treat your wife. Now I’m ready to talk about your God…”

Near the end of chapter 3, Finke shares that those in our culture “are looking for what Jesus has already called his followers to be. For instance:

• People take note when someone is willing to sacrifice themselves for the good of others.
• People appreciate the opportunity to sort through their spiritual questions honestly without manipulation
• People are intrigued by someone who exhibits both grace and wisdom
• People are looking for those who exhibit authentic love, joy, peace, patience, kindness and self-control.”

Of course it is only through the Word of God and His Spirit that will transform one’s life for Christ. But to gain a hearing of the Word, how we live as followers of Jesus does matter.

Considering the bulleted lines above, in what area(s) would you say you have the most room to grow in looking like what Jesus has called you to be? How could growing in that area impact those in your life--both fellow believers and those who do not yet know Jesus? With the Spirit’s help, guided by the Word, what one next step will you take to grow in this area?