There is something uncommon, and even unordinary about a life lived for Jesus Christ. If you are a Christ follower, the Holy Spirit is living in you and your life should look different from what is most commonly seen in the secular culture. Christianity is not a matter of living some kind of better version of yourself or attempting to make God into your own image. It is the "north star" of your life. It is setting the course of your minutes, hours, days, weeks and years to follow and emulate Jesus Christ.
Such a lifestyle does not happen overnight or on a whim. It cannot be obtained by trying a little harder here and there. It is intentional and happens over time. It is an inside out type of lifestyle. Author and counselor Larry Crabb says: "Change from the inside out involves a steadfast gaze upon our Lord that's life changing because it reflects a deep turning. Without true repentance, a look at Christ provides only the illusion of comfort."
INVITATION: This new teaching series called "The Art of Being Unordinary" will focus on what is known as the "fruit of the spirit." The fruit manifested in a life lived for Christ from the inside out are: love, joy, peace, patience, kindness, goodness, faithfulness, gentleness and self control. Unfortunately most people look at folks in The Church as no different from anyone else. Christians can be just as divided, unloving and contentious as anyone else. Where is our fruit? Are you ready to begin cultivating more of "The Art of Being Unordinary" in your life? Is this fruit being grown and cultivated in your heart, mind, and soul or have you somehow lost sight of how God is forming His character within you? Matthew 7:18 says "A good tree cannot bear bad fruit and a bad tree cannot bear good fruit." What kind of tree are you and what type of fruit are you producing? Have you allowed the fast paced culture around you to drown out what is called "the slow work of God?"
MONDAY: Galatians 5:22-26: These are the key verses about the fruit of the spirit. Notice how the scripture is singular: fruit. Not fruit(s). What does that indicate to you? Do you have a longing to begin cultivating this fruit more in your life? How can you begin spiritual practices and disciplines to prepare the soil for this fruit of the Holy Spirit to be planted, fed, watered, and grow?
TUESDAY: I Cor. 13:1-7: The first fruit on the list in Galatians is LOVE. These verses were not penned for a Hallmark card or only to be read at a wedding. They were written to believers to describe what a life following God looks like. Just because someone goes to church regularly, professes Christ and displays many gifts and talents, does NOT necessarily mean they display and show love. We have probably all heard of, or been in, churches that seem successful (by the world's definition) but were not following Jesus and displaying love. It can even be true of the Pastor. Ask the Holy Spirit how you can be more loving as you enter into today, keeping in mind everything but love is a "resounding gong or a clanging cymbal." It is noise. It demands attention. Is the love you display noisy or a "resounding gong" in the world or is is Spirit inspired? Are you willing to ask God how you might love others in a more Christ-like way today and in the days to come?
WEDNESDAY: Matthew 7:22-23: Have you ever thought about how it might be surprising in heaven to see who IS there, as well as who ISN'T there? How can Jesus Christ become more of your foundation and solid rock on which you build your life?
THURSDAY: Matthew 7:15-19: You will know "false prophets" by their fruit. As you pray and meditate on these verses, does the Spirit of God bring anything or anyone to the surface for you to be made aware of in your life? Do you think anyone would consider you a "false prophet?"
FRIDAY: Psalm 107:43: Spend some time and "consider the great love of the Lord. " You cannot love others well until you appropriate how deeply cherished and loved YOU are by God. He loves so we can love. If you have trouble feeling that "God is love" and that you are loved by him, spend some time talking with God about that. As pastor Adam pointed out, there is nothing you can do to make God love you more. Nor anything you have done, had done to you, or that you will do in the future that will make God love you less. How do you feel about that? Ask God to help you believe it at the core of your being.
SATURDAY: Ephesians 3:17-19: Here are some words various writers have used to describe God's love. Read through the list, sitting with and reflecting on each word.
Unfailing
Extravagant
Wastefully abundant
Wondrous
Indiscriminate
Boundless
Unconditional
As you reflect on these words, and on the fact that you are ROOTED and ESTABLISHED in love, what does this stir in you? If you are loved this well and deeply, how can you now love in the same way?