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Fruit

I felt like I should read Romans 8 recently.  I know, I know, if you're going to read any of the Scriptures...am I right?! 
"7For the sinful nature is always hostile to God. It never did obey God’s laws, and it never will. 8That’s why those who are still under the control of their sinful nature can never please God."
I used to read this as a stern warning like, "Better not walk in that ol' nature of yours, or have a mind governed by it.  You won't please God."  But I kept reading..."But you are not controlled by your sinful nature. You are controlled by the Spirit if you have the Spirit of God living in you. (And remember that those who do not have the Spirit of Christ living in them do not belong to him at all.)" (NLT)

 It's risky to take this verse and teach it to others saying, "Stop worrying about your fruit."  People might go on sinning on purpose!  Though, I'm not worried about the people that are calculating how much they can "get away with".  My thoughts are towards those that are His, and those that are agonizing over their fruit--trying really hard to make melons.     

 Even the verse that commends us to "work out our salvation with fear and trembling" continues with "for it is God who works in you to will and to do for His good pleasure." (Philippians 2:12-13)

 I can't listen to admonishment from people anymore who tell me to grab hold of God and bear fruit as if I do it! God had grabbed hold of me in every way possible.  Without HIS drawing, and HIS doing I cannot do anything.

 "No one can come to me unless the Father who sent me draws them, and I will raise them up at the last day."--John 6:44

 This reminds me of a little poem a friend shared with me. (Thanks Valorie!)

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