I have always wondered how we are supposed to live our lives on earth, but recently, God revealed to me the secret to living a fruitful life.
"But the fruit of the Spirit [the result of His presence within us] is love [unselfish concern for others], joy, [inner] peace, patience [not the ability to wait, but how we act while waiting], kindness, goodness, faithfulness," Galatians 5:22 AMP. (https://bible.com/bible/1588/gal.5.22.AMP)
This is not a question of how to love or how to obey, as these are merely fruits that result from our relationship with God. They are not something we force ourselves to do through our own efforts.
Just like a fig tree, fruit appears as a natural process as the fig tree matures.
According to Luke 3:8, "Therefore produce fruit that is worthy of [and consistent with your] repentance [that is, live changed lives, turn from sin and seek God and His righteousness]..."
Our fruit is consistent with our repentance.
Then we ask ourselves, "I have already accepted Lord Jesus Christ as my Lord and Savior, isn't that enough?"
Repentance is not a one-time event. As Hosea 12:6 states, "Therefore, return [in repentance] to your God, Observe and highly regard kindness and justice, And wait [expectantly] for your God continually." Hosea 12:6 AMP (https://bible.com/bible/1588/hos.12.6.AMP)
The key word here is "continually". We must continually return, observe, and wait on God. It is like a habit that we must continue to practice.
So, how do we repent continually? James 4:10 states, "Humble yourselves [with an attitude of repentance and insignificance] in the presence of the Lord, and He will exalt you [He will lift you up, He will give you purpose]." James 4:10 AMP (https://bible.com/bible/1588/jas.4.10.AMP)
The attitude of repentance is to be humble. We can only truly repent and submit to God if we are humble.
"Likewise, you younger men [of lesser rank and experience], be subject to your elders [seek their counsel]; and all of you, clothe yourselves with humility toward one another [tie on the servant's apron], for God is opposed to the proud [the disdainful, the presumptuous, and He defeats them], but He gives grace to the humble." 1 Peter 5:5 AMP (https://bible.com/bible/1588/1pe.5.5.AMP)
So, the secret to life is simply to be humble. We can only truly be dependent on God if we are humble. Those who are self-righteous are independent of God and proud, and God disdains the proud. Easy as it sounds but actually it is the hardest to do.
But Jesus Christ did it.
This is also confirmed in Philippians, "Have this same attitude in yourselves which was in Christ Jesus [look to Him as your example in selfless humility]." Philippians 2:5 AMP (https://bible.com/bible/1588/php.2.5.AMP)
Jesus Christ is the perfect example of humility. He is the Son of God, yet He accepted all insults and torture. He became a servant. As Jesus said, "But the greatest among you will be your servant." Matthew 23:11 AMP (https://bible.com/bible/
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