TODAY IN THE WORD
If you’ve been gardening this summer, some of the vegetables and fruits might be coming in about now, depending on where you live and what you’ve planted. Did they just spontaneously appear? Of course not. You’ve sown, watered, and weeded. Perhaps you’ve used special soils or fertilizers. No doubt you’ve checked for insect pests and maybe even set traps for gophers. The harvest you are about to reap is a result of cultivating the earth.

The same is true in the spiritual realm, which is why “fruit of the Spirit” is such a rich and memorable metaphor. Did you think this idea was only for work or ministry? Think again! The Spirit gives wisdom for leisure as well as for every other area of life. In fact, being filled with the Spirit--a habitual walking with Him--is a key to God-centered and obedient leisure (as can be seen in the contrast between verses 16–17 and 24–25 in today’s reading). To “keep in step with the Spirit” means to “walk in line with” Him.

One question we must therefore ask ourselves is whether our leisure activities cultivate or promote the sinful qualities listed in verses 19–21. Does a certain computer game open the door to occult thinking or practices? Does the overcompetitive way you play a sport breed hatred? Are your preferred books and magazines questionable regarding sexual morality? Does your window shopping allow envy and jealousy to grow within you? In our free time choices, we must choose to crucify our sinful natures (cf. Gal. 2:20).

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TODAY ALONG THE WAY
We’d like to suggest that you initiate another conversation with a believing friend, this time one who shares a leisure interest with you. Do a “wisdom exchange” with them, addressing issues mentioned in our study.

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