The Long Run: Cultivating Spiritual Fruit Through Disciplined Growth
In our ongoing exploration of the fruit of the Spirit, we've been reflecting on the concept of organic, slow growth. This morning, as I finished a run – an activity I admit I don't particularly enjoy – I found myself meditating on this principle. For those who find a runner's high and freedom while covering miles, I commend you. My experience is a bit different. Running, for me, is a slog. Yet, even though I don't relish the process, I deeply need the results.
With a family history of heart disease and a personal struggle with melancholy, the health and emotional benefits that exercise provides are essential. I see a parallel here to our spiritual lives.
Just as I can trust that the discipline of regular exercise will yield physical benefits, I can also trust in the organic process of abiding in Christ that produces the fruit of the Spirit. Galatians 5:22-23 reminds us, "But the fruit of the Spirit is love, joy, peace, patience, kindness, goodness, faithfulness, gentleness, self-control; against such things there is no law."
In my spiritual journey, I find that I enjoy most of the process that keeps me connected to Christ. Yes, there are challenging spiritual disciplines, and I've engaged in difficult but necessary conversations. But I know that even these hard things work to conform me to the image of Christ. Romans 8:29 assures us, "For those whom he foreknew he also predestined to be conformed to the image of his Son, in order that he might be the firstborn among many brothers."
Just as I focus on the long-term results of physical training, I can also keep my eyes on the ultimate goal of my spiritual journey: conformity to the image of Christ.
2 Corinthians 3:18 speaks of this transformation: "And we all, with unveiled face, beholding the glory of the Lord, are being transformed into the same image from one degree of glory to another. For this comes from the Lord who is the Spirit."
The glory of Christ in me – this is the hope of glory. Colossians 1:27 declares, "To them God chose to make known how great among the Gentiles are the riches of the glory of this mystery, which is Christ in you, the hope of glory."
I don't know the current state of your soul, but over the next few weeks, let's keep asking ourselves:
Are we tending to the garden of our souls?
Are we engaging in the spiritual disciplines – prayer, Bible study, worship, fellowship, service – that nourish and strengthen us?
Are we facing the difficult conversations and challenges that lead to growth?
Are we fixing our eyes on the ultimate goal of becoming more like Christ?
The process of spiritual growth may be slow and sometimes challenging, just like my runs. But the results – the fruit of the Spirit growing in our lives and the hope of glory – are worth every step of the journey.
Let us run with endurance the race that is set before us, looking to Jesus, the founder and perfecter of our faith (Hebrews 12:1-2).
Let us tend to the garden of our souls with diligence and patience, trusting that the Master Gardener will bring forth a bountiful harvest in His time.
Prayer:
Lord Jesus, thank You for the process of transformation that You are working in us. Help us to embrace both the joys and challenges of spiritual growth. Give us the strength and perseverance to tend to the garden of our souls, trusting that You will produce the fruit of the Spirit in our lives. May we run the race with endurance, fixing our eyes on You, the author and perfecter of our faith. In Your name, we pray. Amen.
