One way to help more clearly describe something is to list out what it is NOT.
Fruit of the Spirit
Love
Joy
Peace
Patience
Kindness
Goodness
Faithfulness
Gentleness
Self-Control
From Galatians 5:22-23
Not on the List
Wealth
Power
Influence
Popularity
Intelligence
Physical Fitness
Productivity
Comfort
Austerity
Humor
Adventure
Entertainment
Attractiveness
None of these are inherently bad things. In fact, most are good things! But are they worthy of being our operational core values?
Which of these do we consider more? Which of these are more often on our mind? To which of these do we ascribe more of our identity? From which do we derive more of our worth? Which of these have more functional, day-to-day value for us?
What else is Not on the List? What else have we been told or have convinced ourselves is core to our being?
Photo by Jan Kahánek on Unsplash
