Divine Direction and the fruit of the Spirit

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To be led by the Holy Spirit does not mean that we are led only by supernatural manifestations of the gifts. The supernatural fruits of the Spirit are just as vital in determining the mind of Christ as the gifts. The fruits and gifts are like two sides of the same coin, and both sides must be in good shape for it to be “spendable.”

Evangelicals tend to emphasize the fruits of the Spirit, and charismatics the gifts. But the Holy Spirit is not in competition with Himself. Both the fruits and the gifts are manifestations of the Spirit’s activity in our lives.

Isaiah declared prophetically, “You shall go out with joy, and be led forth with peace” (Isa. 55:12a, emphasis added). To make decisions according to the spiritual peace they bring is being led by the Spirit. To take action because of the joy of the Lord is to be motivated by the Holy Spirit. To move in faith—which is both a gift and a fruit of the Spirit—is moving in the mind of Christ and walking with God, “For we walk by faith, not by sight” (2 Cor. 5:7).

Of these, the peace of God is particularly important. Paul declared that the spiritual mind can be identified by the extent of its life and peace: “to be spiritually minded is life and peace” (Rom. 8:6b). He also instructed us to let the peace of Christ rule—that is, govern and direct—our hearts (Col. 3:15), for God’s peace should override all confusion, doubt, and indecision: “The peace of God, which passeth all understanding, shall keep your hearts and minds through Christ Jesus” (Phil. 4:7). If you want to know the specific will of God, “Depart from evil, and do good; seek peace, and pursue it” (Ps. 34:14, emphasis added).

In determining the will of God on a matter, then, look inside your soul and spirit to see how much peace and joy you have about the situation. How many of the nine fruits of the Spirit are evident in the matter? Do you have faith or doubt, love or fear, desire or dread, joy or anxiety, peace or pressure, meekness or self-determination, temperance or impatience? If you have the mind of Christ on the matter and are being led by the Spirit, you will find the right fruits within. If you do not have them, then the traffic light of God’s will has not turned green. Do nothing, make no commitments or final decisions, until this light gives you the go-ahead.


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