Now the works of the flesh are evident: sexual immorality, impurity, sensuality, idolatry, sorcery, enmity, strife, jealousy, fits of anger, rivalries, dissensions, divisions, envy, drunkenness, orgies, and things like these. I warn you, as I warned you before, that those who do such things will not inherit the kingdom of God.
But the fruit of the Spirit is love, joy, peace, patience, kindness, goodness, faithfulness, gentleness, self-control; against such things there is no law. And those who belong to Christ Jesus have crucified the flesh with its passions and desires.
If we live by the Spirit, let us also keep in step with the Spirit. Let us not become conceited, provoking one another, envying one another.
Galatians 5:16 – 26, English Standard Version
It has been said that when Christians are known for their abundant love for each other, then we are on the right track.
True enough… but I’d like to put in a word for joy, as well.
Don’t miss out on inheriting the Kingdom of God.
Brothers, if anyone is caught in any transgression, you who are spiritual should restore him in a spirit of gentleness. Keep watch on yourself, lest you too be tempted. Bear one another’s burdens, and so fulfill the law of Christ. For if anyone thinks he is something, when he is nothing, he deceives himself. But let each one test his own work, and then his reason to boast will be in himself alone and not in his neighbor. For each will have to bear his own load.
Let the one who is taught the word share all good things with the one who teaches. Do not be deceived: God is not mocked, for whatever one sows, that will he also reap. For the one who sows to his own flesh will from the flesh reap corruption, but the one who sows to the Spirit will from the Spirit reap eternal life. And let us not grow weary of doing good, for in due season we will reap, if we do not give up. So then, as we have opportunity, let us do good to everyone, and especially to those who are of the household of faith.
Galatians 6:1-10, English Standard Version
I think that heaven is far more populated with joyful people like Angella than grumpy old men like myself.
But, if we grumpy old man remember the example of Christ and choose to shun arrogance, embrace humility, and work hard to build a better world for people like Angella to happily thrive in… well, you can’t earn salvation, but you can show the contents of your heart by good actions and good works.
For we are his workmanship, created in Christ Jesus for good works, which God prepared beforehand, that we should walk in them.
Ephesians 2:10, English Standard Version
Let’s welcome the Holy Spirit, so He can purify our hearts, so we can do good works.
And so change the world for the better.
It’s time for the good guys to win.
Acrosss the Stars 