Reflecting on John 17:13-19“As you sent me into the world, I have sent them into the world.” (John 17:18)
Imagine if you lived out the fruit of the Spirit everyday (Galatians 5:22-23).
Love, joy, peace, patience, kindness, goodness, faithfulness, gentleness, self-control.
This is how Jesus lived in the world, and many people were blessed by it.
Yet it did not make His life easier; in fact, it made it harder.
This world is not an easy place to live this way.
Yet this character is Who God is, Who Jesus is, and who we are called to be.
Jesus was in the world to challenge the worlds way by living God’s way.
This is what got Jesus killed, but it is also what got Him resurrected.
God protected Him from Satan’s scheme to destroy Him, and He overcame.
Jesus is praying that we would live this same way in the world.
To exhibit the qualities of a Spirit-shaped life is our mission in the world.
Yet living this way puts us at odds with the world, the flesh and the devil.
Following Jesus like this is not easy, but it is the best way to live.
Our world needs more Jesus followers like this, set apart for living the Jesus Way.
Is this the kind of life I am seeking as I live in the world, but not of it?
PRAYER
Lord Jesus, Your word to us is love, joy, peace, patience, kindness, goodness, faithfulness, gentleness and self-control. Protect me from Satan's schemes to turn away from Your Way, and help me to live more and more in the full measure of Your love, joy, peace, etc.
I need to be more like Jesus every day. I need to be practicing the way, lead by His Spirit. Then others will see Christ Jesus living in me by my words and deeds – the fruit of the Spirit. Lead me and guide me each and every day Lord.