Perfecting Holiness in the fear of God – Part 3

Perfecting holiness, self control and fruit of the spirit are inseparable. There is a synchronisation between these key areas. Perfecting Holiness is an “in and out” working of the Holy Spirit in our lives, however, you and I would need to embrace, cultivate the fruit of the Spirit and self control. The key word cultivate is an important terminology in this context linking perfecting holiness, fruit of the spirit and self control. Defining the term cultivate would help us further. Cultivate according to Webster’s Revised Unabridged Dictionary: “To direct special attention to; to devote time and thought to; to foster; to cherish, to till, with a view to valuable returns.” Consequently, you and I would need to put in the time, energy, seriousness, effort and urgency it deserves to becoming all that God has called us to be. See what the Bible says, “Now I entreat you, brethren, in the name of our Lord Jesus Christ, to cultivate a Spirit of harmony…” Read 1 Corinthians 1:10 (WEY).

Self control is a very important skill to cultivate and apply in every area of one’s life. Research shows that self-control has a significant positive impact on physical health, psychological well-being, academic and work performance, and quality of interpersonal relationships. Imagine with me for a minute; a life without self control or boundaries. Galatians 5:23 (AMPC) says, “Gentleness (meekness, humility), self-control (self-restraint, continence). Against such things there is no law that can bring a charge. The word self control means having inner strength, or gaining mastery of something. Beloved, we have been called to a life of gaining mastery and demonstrating inner strength over anything that might cause one to displease the Lord. Watch this, you can’t do this on your own, you need the help of the Holy Spirit. I recall instances where I have not cultivated the fruit of self control; and I can say now freely the impact and stress I brought on myself for not yielding and employing the spirit of self control. We cannot afford to act on every impulse of the flesh because we feel like it; we should exercise restraint; and it would take a deep sense of persistence, commitment and perseverance; but most importantly totally and wholly relying on the Holy Spirit. Remember this, “You are no longer ruled by your desires, but by God’s Spirit, who lives in you.” “…My dear friends, we must not live to satisfy our desires. If you do, you will die. But you will live, if by the help of God’s Spirit you say “No” to your desires. Only those people who are led by God’s Spirit are His children. Read Romans 8:9-14 (CEV).

When we talk about the fruit of the Spirit, I think of the end product of a seed which was planted and nurtured to the point of bringing forth fruits. In other words, God has planted His seed – precious seed – His word, in us – earthen vessels, and the Holy Spirit continues to nurture us unto fruitfulness. Watch this beloved, the seed owner expects fruit from the seed, hence the process of nurturing is important and none negotiable. Cultivating the fruit of the Spirit in our lives is the true hallmark of our Christian testimony on this earth. People might not want to identify with what we stand for, what we believe or preach, but, they can’t ignore the fruit of fruitfulness which would be evident in you and I.  The Bible says, “But the fruit of the Spirit [the result of His presence within us] is love [unselfish concern for others], joy, [inner] peace, patience [not the ability to wait, but how we act while waiting], kindness, goodness, faithfulness.” Read Galatians 5:22 (AMP).

Preparing and studying this topic has brought me to a point where I have to be even more conscious of my walk and relationship with God. It can sometimes be easy to get side tracked, and not pay attention to the things which really matter; and that is cultivating and walking in perfecting holiness in the fear of God, self control and the fruit of the Spirit. Therefore, I lift up my voice to God and ask Him to constantly remind and help me stay on track, and that I always be in a place of obedience to His will and counsel. And like the Bible says, “my ears are anointed to hear, eyes blessed to see, and a heart ready to perceive. This is my prayer and I hope it would be yours too in the mighty Name of Jesus. Amen.

Dear Lord Jesus, thank you for loving us so much, that You sent Your Son Jesus Christ to die for us on the cross. You did this, whilst we were sinners, what a sacrifice, what level of grace and mercy You have extended towards us. We are indeed thankful, appreciative of Your concern for us, but most importantly, Your willingness to restore and reconcile us back to Yourself. You are an awesome God, an awesome wonder, a God who deserves all of our praises. Hallelujah, Glory to God.

We write. You read. Be encouraged.