Paulette Talks Faith

Monday, January 12, 2015

Power Tools

Power Tools

…faith which worketh by love. Galatians 5:6

• Belt sander. . .

• Circular saw. . .

• Grinding machine. . .

In the natural world, a power tool is a mechanical device that operates when it’s initiated by an external power source. Once the connection is made, energy is generated, and the tool is able to complete its purpose.

There are power tools in the spiritual world too. Love is a power tool. As a matter of fact, love is the master power tool because without it, our faith doesn’t work (Galatians 5:6). Even though love is the number one tool, there are other important tools. Generosity, forgiveness, humility, gratefulness, and any other attributes that will show godly character are all valuable tools. We are to be conformed into His image (Romans 8:29).

When power tools in the natural are not used properly, they can cause serious damage. Spiritual tools are no different. For example, too often we throw the word love around frivolously. We claim to love when we really don’t. And, sometimes we misuse it because we don’t have a true concept of its meaning. Love equals a corresponding action. When you see people suffering or in need, do you look for ways in which you can help? God works through people. We are blessed to be a blessing. We all have something to contribute. That’s just how the world operates.

Using our power tools correctly will improve the quality of our lives, and the lives of those around us. They will smooth rough edges, cut through stony hearts, grind up wrong motives, and pulverize nasty attitudes.

Are Your Power Tools in Good Working Order?

See You Next Week on Paulette Talks Faith.

Monday, January 5, 2015

Wax Fruit

Wax Fruit

…your faith is devoid of truth and is fruitless… I Cor.15:14 (AMP)

• Artificial . . .

• Replica. . .

• Imitation. . .

Don’t eat that! It’s wax. With all the new scientific discoveries and advancements, it makes one question what’s real and what’s fake. Did she grow it, or did she buy it? Can he, or can’t he? Hmmm!

On the other hand, the fruit of the Spirit is not as easy to mimic. It’s listed in Galatians 5:22-23 as: love, joy, peace, longsuffering, gentleness, goodness, meekness, and temperance. This is our Christian trademark, our branding. It’s the first thing people see, and take note of about us.

A few writings ago I touched on wax fruit. This week I would like to explore this topic more because it’s so important. I define someone as having spiritual wax fruit when they are not authentic in their Christian walk. They say they are Christian, but godly characteristics are missing. I’m beginning to see that the quality of our fruit is a guide to show us, and everybody else, if we are genuine or not. It says in Matthew 7:15-20 that we will know them by their fruit.

If we’re not paying attention, our fruit can accumulate a hard waxy build up. We can tell when this happens when we start to notice that we’re not as kind or generous as we once were. Or, we begin to notice that an unforgiving heart has replaced one of love. It takes a first-class, topnotch anxiety attack to put our peace, temperance, and longsuffering fruit to the test. Can it sustain the pressure? Will pressure cause it to break open showing that it’s hollow—void of any godly substance?

To make sure our fruit stays supple under pressure, we have to stay in the presence of the “Son.” Wax will collect if we don’t. However, wax will melt off in the Son. For instance, I don’t think it’s possible to live a life around all that “Love” and keep a waxy cold heart.

If the heart remains cold, something is not right. Because the more we are in Jesus’ presence, meaning the more we model our lives after Him, the more we will become like Him, and God is Love.

See You Next Week on Paulette Talks Faith.