Very few people have to endure mental strain in order to determine what kind of tree produces apples. If a man were to notice a particular tree in the park or in the forest or woods and there were maple leaves growing from the branches of the tree, it would seem almost absurd to label that man as being judgmental for calling the tree a maple tree. A tree that produces apples is an apple tree. A tree with maple leaves is called a maple tree. That's not being judgmental. That's just observation and reasoning at work. The absence or presence of fruit helps in determining the type of tree. So it is with a Christian tree, the absence or presence of certain fruit makes clear whether or not he or she is a Christian.
Through conflict the spiritual life is strengthened.
Trials well borne will develop steadfastness of character and precious
spiritual graces. The perfect fruit of faith, meekness, and love often
matures best amid storm clouds and darkness.
Patience under trials will keep us from saying and doing
those things which will injure our own souls and injure those with whom we
associate.
The opposition we meet may prove a benefit to us in many ways. If it is well borne, it will develop virtues which would never have appeared if the Christian had nothing to endure. And faith, patience, forbearance, heavenly mindedness, trust in Providence, and genuine sympathy with the erring, are the results of trial well borne. These are the graces of the Spirit, which bud, blossom, and bear fruit amid trials and adversity. Meekness, humility, and love always grow on the Christian tree. If the word is received into good and honest hearts, the obdurate soul will be subdued, and faith, grasping the promises, and relying upon Jesus, will prove triumphant.
Trials patiently borne, blessings gratefully received,
meekness, kindness, mercy, and love, habitually exhibited, are the lights that
shine forth in the character before the world, revealing the contrast with
the darkness that comes of the selfishness of the natural heart.
This world is God's workshop, where He fashions us for the courts of heaven. He uses the planing knife upon our quivering hearts until the roughness and irregularities are removed and we are fitted for our proper places in the heavenly building. Through tribulation and distress the Christian becomes purified and strengthened, and develops a character after the model that Christ has given.
Stay tuned for the next post in this study..
Isaiah 13:13/1 Peter 1:7, 4:12,13/James 1:12/Revelation 3:18/2 Timothy 2:3/
Romans 5:3/Mark 13:20,21/1 Peter 5:10
© 2013 Tyrone Keels
www.issues-of-life.com
