Galatians 5

In the latter half of chapter 5, Paul exhorts the Galatians to "walk by the Spirit" (vv 16, 25). He says as long as they walk by the Spirit, they will not give in to the desires of their flesh.

Paul then provides two lists: the first one he calls the "works of the flesh." The Greek word for work is "ergon," and it means a deed that carries out an inner desire. We know from Romans 1-3 that our inner desires are not good. In fact, when we ignore the Spirit we carry out desires from Paul's first list all the time (idolatry, jealousy, strife, envy, dissensions, sexual immorality, etc.).

The second list he calls the "fruit of the Spirit." The Greek word for fruit is "karpos." It's figurative obviously, and it means everything we do that's in true partnership with Christ. By definition it results from two life-streams: the Lord living his life through ours.

So Paul is saying, as a Christian, there are two things which can govern the way you act—and they are both already inside of you. But in order for your life to be marked by actions from the second list, you have to be walking in connection with the Spirit of God. And before his life and Spirit can be connected with yours and produce fruit, you first must be aware of his presence in your life.

Which leads me to ask this question: On a typical day, how well do you pay attention to the presence of God in your life?