Outer Fruits of the Inner Life

I am sure that by now you have noticed a reoccurring theme, which is the contrast between inner faith and outer fruits, of spirituality and religion. Even though this is the most basic of topics, I think that many might still misunderstand.

On an individual level, if we humble ourselves and become quiet and receptive, we become able to pray. Our spirit affirms a connection with God's spirit. And we are fed spiritually, with peace, joy, and love. This is a holy place, accessible to all!

No need to feel guilty. This is not a selfish inner focus, because in humbling ourselves and becoming quiet we do not seek any self gratification or expansion. We are in this personal, internal quiet space to be with our creator.

And on an individual level this attention to inner spirituality, our true connection with God, leaves us energized and full of the life that produces, externally, the fruits of the spirit! Without any thought of self promotion, we can turn outward to our neighbors (or even our enemies) and show them compassion and love.

(The following is from Galatians 5)

But the fruit of the Spirit is love, joy, peace, long-suffering, gentleness, goodness, faith, Meekness, temperance: against such there is no law. [IE- These are the outer manifestations of a healthy inner spiritual life]
And they that are Christ's have crucified the flesh with the affections and lusts. [IE- But you can't be thinking selfishly]

If we live in the Spirit, let us also walk in the Spirit.

Let's look at the group level- the church. If a church has true spirituality working in it, there will be an energizing of those spiritual people with peace, joy, and love. And the impact of the church on the community will be fruitful with the fruits of the spirit. Without any thought of the church's promotion or profit, we can turn outward to our community (which may include those opposed to us) and show them compassion and love.

The principle is clear: Top priority is to the inner spiritual bond, and the outer fruit will come on it's own. Don't worry about it!

Can a person try to fake the outer fruits of the spirit? Can a church try to put up a good show, a good looking exterior? Yes to both. But invariably they will become more and more selfish, self-centered, into gratification and hoarding. They have neglected the inside, and so they will feel as if they are somehow starving (because they are. This is called, "lust of the flesh").

(Also from Galatians 5)

[This] I say then, Walk in the Spirit, [Attend to the inner, spiritual life]
and ye shall not fulfil the lust of the flesh. [and you won't be such a selfish jerk]
For the flesh lusteth against the Spirit [the selfish mind resists the quiet spirit],
and the Spirit against the flesh [the quiet spirit has no wants or needs]:
and these are contrary the one to the other...

You can get rid of those cravings and feelings of inadequacy, but not by trying to feed into them!