Hello my lovelies, and welcome to An Inquisitive Mind – Illumination through Christ.

Growing up, I have always wanted to ‘help’ people and sometimes this had been to my own detriment. Looking back, you could liken me to an ‘EMPATH’ because I would essentially ‘absorb’ people’s emotions like a sponge and carry these as though they were my own.

Although, I have since learned to better regulate my emotions and that of others (Praise GOD) but can see the strengths behind my still very much ‘sensitive’ nature. As I now have a better understanding of myself and the way God has created me to be, I have made the intentional effort to ensure I guard my heart (Proverbs 4:23). This being through carefully considering the things I watch, discussions I entertain and/or environments I enter into.

With that said, God has helped me to navigate a few incidents this year with grace – both professionally and personally. This being through protecting my thoughts, instilling boundaries and managing expectations – to ensure I do not act out in the way my flesh may want me to.

I also realise how easy it is to justify our actions when we feel wronged but no matter how triggering or ‘hard’ things may feel, we have to count the cost.

As noted in Matthew 16:24, to be a true follower we must forget about ourselves and follow Him. This includes wanting to have our own way and rather let God have His way.

When I think about the price that was paid for me – my brain resets expeditiously.

I then think about my witness and what they would recount if they were asked about how I shared the gospel through my life. I wouldn’t want anyone to see the life I live and run away from God but rather run towards Him.

The being because I want them to see how good life can get with Him in it, amongst other benefits such as the Fruits of the Spirit.

He will know them – by their fruits

In John 15:2-4, we are called to produce good fruits and that which is not of Him must be surrended so He can cut off.

As we abide in Him – through reading the word, fellowshipping with other believers, offering praise and worship unto Him etc this ‘refining’ process helps what is not of Him to be cut out.

In Proverbs 20:11, it highlights that the way in which you are to decipher whether the character of a child is pure or perverse is through their actions. This had made me to really reflect on my recent responses and what kind of fruits are being produced.

In Galatians 5:22-23, it is highlighted that the Holy Spirit gives unto us love, joy, peace, patience, kindness, goodness, faithfulness, gentleness and self-control.

As an exercise re-read the fruits displayed in this scripture and as you meditate match them up with your character.

Can you confirm you demonstrate all of these fruits – at a 100% ?

Speaking for myself, there can be moments I am at peace but when deadlines arise, and my task list looks un-ending – can I maintain this?

I like to believe I am gentle and kind but when I am triggered and provoked can I guarantee I won’t bite back?

I don’t intend to go against Him by demonstrating impatience or being unforgiving but some days I require more intentionality to do the right thing. This isn’t to talk down on myself or seem ‘lax’ about it but I want to be real.

If you looked at the list too and couldn’t confirm 100% for all , then I hope it acts as a sobering reminder that there is still much more to improve on.

Are you satisfied?

My prayer has always been that I want to live a life fully for God.

I don’t want to assimilate to mediocracy or develop a heart that is unwilling to be transformed. Rather, I want to produce good fruit – a life that is pure, pleasing and acceptable unto Him.

As His children we are called to be set apart for good, so this must become evident through our actions (1 John 3:10).

The more I grow in my faith, I realise this world truly has nothing to offer me. The only true satisfaction comes through Him and Him alone (John 10:9 and Psalm 119:57).

Reflection –

Ask yourself-

Am I producing the fruit I want to see?

Are my actions pure, pleasing and acceptable unto him?

Let us pray

Father Lord, please help me to be pure and blameless before you instead of bitter and perverse. Please help me to fully demonstrate a heart of love, joy, peace and compassion before you and towards others. I pray that I will not get carried away with the matters of this world to the point I become unyielding. Instead, I rather follow you; your words and your will. I pray that I will produce good fruit, but in order to do so please help me to be carefully considerate with my words and therefore actions too. Amen !