Ephesians 5:7-10 "Be not ye therefore partakers with them. (8) For ye were sometimes darkness, but now are ye light in the Lord: walk as children of light: (9) (For the fruit of the Spirit is in all goodness and righteousness and truth;) (10) Proving what is acceptable unto the Lord."
These verses describe an exercise in self discipline. Paul speaks to us of what
we were and what we are now by the working of God the Father, Son, and Holy
Spirit. This seems to be the theme throughout the entire book of Ephesians. We
were dead in trespasses and sin. Now we are alive in Christ Jesus. We were
without God, having no hope. Now we have Christ Jesus who is our peace.
We were children of darkness. Now we are children of light. So the Lord,
through the Apostle Paul, is reminding us that we are to walk in that light
showing the work of Christ in us.
We are to "prove what is acceptable unto the Lord." How can we do
that? I may sound like a broken record, but to me that is accomplished through
studying the Word of God and communication with the Lord through prayer. Jesus
taught us to ask, seek, and knock. We read in the book of James that if anyone
lacks wisdom, we are to ask and it will be given. The simple answer is that we
walk in the Holy Spirit of God. When we do that we can see the fruit of the
Spirit being brought to light from us. Lord, please give wisdom and direction
that we might prove what is "that good, and acceptable, and perfect, will
of God." (Romans 12:2) Then we will indeed see that fruit being brought
forth.
"But the fruit of the Spirit is love, joy, peace, longsuffering,
gentleness, goodness, faith, Meekness, temperance: against such there is no
law." (Galatians 5:22-23)
When we walk with the Lord in the light of His Word
What a glory He sheds on our way!
While we do His good will, He abides with us still And with all who will trust
and obey
Trust and obey, for there's no other way
To be happy in Jesus, but to trust and obey