What's left?

When we get rid of the stuff we don't have to keep, what's left is the stuff God want's for our lives.

But the fruit of the Spirit is love, joy, peace, forbearance, kindness, goodness, faithfulness, gentleness and self-control. Against such things there is no law. (Galatians 5:22-23 NIV)

When we walk by the Spirit, we don't need to worry about the law - Old Testament Mosaic, or any other kind. Walking with God will produce a life that is not only inside God's parameters that warn us of danger, it also produces a life that is enjoyable to live.

For, "Whoever would love life and see good days must keep their tongue from evil and their lips from deceitful speech. They must turn from evil and do good; they must seek peace and pursue it. For the eyes of the Lord are on the righteous and his ears are attentive to their prayer, but the face of the Lord is against those who do evil." (1 Peter 3:8-12 NIV)

Notice what speaking truth in love and pursuing peace gets us: good days. We do it because we love life. Jesus came to give us life...abundantly. Notice what happens when we hold on to the garbage: the face of the Lord is against us. We aren't just fighting ourselves, other people, or even fallen angels. When we sin, we fight against God. Nobody is going to win that fight.

Therefore, as God's chosen people, holy and dearly loved, clothe yourselves with compassion, kindness, humility, gentleness and patience. Bear with each other and forgive one another if any of you has a grievance against someone. Forgive as the Lord forgave you. (Col. 3:12-13 NIV)

When we throw away the bad and hold on to the good, we enjoy a better walk not only with God but with people, too. We even enjoy being around people we need to forgive. We end up remembering that God forgave us, so we give forgiveness freely as well. The result: we experience peace.

Let the peace of Christ rule in your hearts, since as members of one body you were called to peace. And be thankful. Let the message of Christ dwell among you richly as you teach and admonish one another with all wisdom through psalms, hymns, and songs from the Spirit, singing to God with gratitude in your hearts. And whatever you do, whether in word or deed, do it all in the name of the Lord Jesus, giving thanks to God the Father through him. (Colossians 3:15-17 NIV)

So how about you? Do you like what's left in you? Do you enjoy your walk together with God?