We all want to exhibit the “fruits of the Spirit.” We want people to see Christ in us. That is very possible. It’s not something we can conjure up, however. It takes allowing Christ to be reflected from within us.
RELEVANCE
In order to reflect Christ in us, something has to die: our flesh—with Christ. The Holy Spirit will not compete with it.
“But the fruit of the Spirit is love, joy, peace, longsuffering, kindness, goodness, faithfulness, gentleness, self-control. Against such there is no law. And those who are Christ’s have crucified the flesh with its passions and desires. If we live in the Spirit, let us also walk in the Spirit. Let us not become conceited, provoking one another, envying one another” (Galatians 5:22-26).
When John the Baptist saw Jesus he said something profound: “He must increase, but I must decrease” (John 3:30). For one thing, he referred to the ministry of Jesus increasing relative to his own. He called people to prepare the way of the Lord. But he pointed to the One who is the way.
What else might he have meant? Most likely he called for self, or the carnal nature with its pride and lustful passions diminishing so the Holy Spirit can arise and Christ be exalted. Paul would be more blunt. He would call it being crucified, or dying to self (Galatians 2:20; 5:24).
REFLECT AND RELATE
Ask God to reveal what things might be competing with His Spirit. His grace will ALWAYS be sufficient as you allow it to be.
Look inside. What habits, attitudes or behavior might the Holy Spirit be revealing to you that need to decrease and be eliminated?
What character traits need to be built up and strengthened through God’s grace?