Read: Galatians 5:16-25
It was time to get dinner started and I still needed a few things from the market. I should have gone earlier in the day instead of starting another project. Annoyed at the inconvenience, I got into the car and took a moment to pray, “Lord, honestly, I just want to get in and get out and not talk to anyone. Please help me.” But God had different plans for me to be part of a ripple.
Arriving at the market, I grabbed a cart and walked briskly through the aisles. With my list completed, I hurried to the check-out and began unloading groceries onto the conveyor belt. The lady ahead of me was talking with the clerk and glancing my way, including me into their conversation. My grumpy demeanor lifted as I joined in, laughing and adding words of encouragement. I joyfully paid the clerk and wished her a lovely day.
EVERY DROP CREATES A RIPPLE
Every drop creates a ripple. I thought about what just took place. Our words and actions, like drops of water, have potential energy to create an effect. How can our lives as Christians ripple out to the glory of God? “But I say, walk and live [habitually] in the [Holy] Spirit [responsive to and controlled and guided by the Spirit]; then you will certainly not gratify the cravings and desires of the flesh (of human nature without God).” (Galatians 5:16)
GOODNESS FLOWING THROUGH
During the short ride home, I thought about how I was able to add to that conversation. How was I able to be kind and encouraging even though it was not my original intention? Pulling into the driveway, I paused to pray again, “Lord, what just happened? What was that?” He softly spoke to my heart, “That was My goodness flowing through you.” What a ripple!
THE ENDING COULD HAVE BEEN DIFFERENT
God’s amazing grace and help caused my words and actions to ripple with the fruit of His Spirit. If I had not taken time to pray, asking for God’s help, but allowed my fleshly desires to take the lead, the scene could have ended much differently. The ladies would have borne the brunt of my selfishness and none of us would’ve been smiling.
RIPPLE OF LIVING BY THE SPIRIT
Our words and actions have power, the potential energy to change someone’s day, for good or bad. If we take time to ask for God’s help, our lives can ripple out with pleasant effects of walking and living by His Spirit. He will be glorified and more of us will be smiling!
“If we live by the [Holy] Spirit, let us also walk by the Spirit. [If by the Holy Spirit we have our life in God, let us go forward walking in line, our conduct controlled by the Spirit].” (Galatians 5:25)
Click to read more about living by the Spirit