“I'm so going to give Favour a piece of my mind!”, Shade declared.
“After then, what happens?", Gina asked as she sat unmoved.
“She'll know better than to confront me next time." Shade said emphatically.
“And from whom did you learn to give people a piece of your mind?" Gina asked further.
“My Saviour of course!”, Shade frowned.
“Hmm.”. Gina kept mute. She was trying to wrap her head around Sade’s sense of reasoning and her strange interpretation of the Scriptures.
“Ever read of His escapades with the Pharisees, how He often gave them a piece of His mind whenever they overstepped their boundaries? He also used a whip on those buying and selling in the Temple. I'm simply following His footsteps!”, Sade continued.
“Let's say I agree with you that. He did these things but I have a question. On whose account did He do these things?" Gina asked.
“I don't understand. What do you mean?" Shade retorted. She was obviously irritated.
“Let me help you but before then, I have more questions”, Gina continued.
“Why do you think Jesus used those kinds of words on the Pharisees and used the whip on the traders in the Temple? Who was He trying to defend? Himself, the law or God?”
Shade went mute.
“Oooh! You have no answers? Well, I'll help you with that. It was all for the course of God and He confronted the Jewish Government because their limited knowledge and erroneous worship of God was leading the people astray.” Gina continued.
“I can't seem to wrap my head around the fact that this part of the life of Jesus comes in handy to believers who are looking for excuses to operate in the works of the flesh. That is a behavioural trait they're willing to emulate from Jesus. Meanwhile, it is not a dominant trait.”
At this point, Shade was feeling uneasy.
“There are other traits of Jesus that are worthy of emulation. For example, He was a man given to a lifestyle of Prayer, Evangelism, Fasting, and deep study of the Word of God. Most importantly, He possessed a zeal for God. Sadly, you seldom hear a believer say ‘I am following the footsteps of Jesus in fasting, prayers, evangelism, etc... And if by any chance they mention it, then they most likely are trying to brag. Rather, they're big on the aspect that Jesus used insulting words on the Pharisees.”
Gina kept talking, each word pinching Shade's heart.
“These sect of believers also include the Apostle Paul in their charade. They said he called the Galatians ‘foolish' Excuse you! Why was it that part of your Bible that was highlighted to you? How is it that you didn't notice the part where Paul said ‘I pray in tongues more than ye all' or where he said, ‘walk in love?”
“We use Jesus and Paul as an excuse to use idle words on people under the guise of giving them a piece of your mind. Then it's likely that your mind is not renewed to that of Christ. It is possible the Holy Spirit has no authority in you because if He did, He would definitely restrain you from using those kinds of words.”
“As a believer, you're the Bible people read. Unbelievers can either choose to follow or neglect Jesus based on your character. It's in you the spirit of anger resides. Only you know how to put people in their place... And it is never in church. You only put people in a terrible state with the words of your mouth and your ugly actions.”
At this point, Shade was feeling remorseful and started to sob in silence. She had realised her wrong and understood the need to do better. But Gina continued, ensuring that her words would truly bring Shade to a point of true repentance.
“I often hear unbelievers say they can't attend a particular church because a so-called Christian neighbour of theirs is a chronic abuser and has all the dominant traits of a sinner. Our actions, not just our mouths should also preach Christ. We should be an epitome of Christ in everything we do.”
“Those things classified under ‘the works of the the flesh must be absent from our lives. While those categorized below ‘the works of the Spirit' must be evidently seen in our lives! If there's an habit that does not portray Christ in your life, take it to the Lord in prayers to help you take away those habits. Also, make a conscious effort to live a Holy and Righteous life as Christ has called you!”
“I pray the Holy Spirit expands these words in your heart, Sade. Amen.” Gina finally said as she walked away from Shade
Conclusion
God's word in Galatians 5:19-26 says “the acts of the flesh are obvious: sexual immorality, impurity and debauchery; idolatry and witchcraft; hatred, discord, jealousy, fits of rage, selfish ambition, dissensions, factions and envy; drunkenness, orgies, and the like. I warn you, as I did before, that those who live like this will not inherit the kingdom of God. But the fruit of the Spirit is love, joy, peace, forbearance, kindness, goodness, faithfulness, gentleness and self-control. Against such things there is no law. Those who belong to Christ Jesus have crucified the flesh with its passions and desires. Since we live by the Spirit, let us keep in step with the Spirit. Let us not become conceited, provoking and envying each other." (NIV)
Now, you've read Sade's story. The question to you is - “Are you walking in the flesh or walking in the Spirit?”
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