by Pastor Rich Carlson 

While reading The Message version of the Bible, I fell in love with Galatians 5:22-23. Here it is: 

“But what happens when we live God's way? He brings gifts into our lives, much the same way that fruit appears in an orchard—things like affection for others, exuberance about life, serenity. We develop a willingness to stick with things, a sense of compassion in the heart, and a conviction that a basic holiness permeates things and people. We find ourselves involved in loyal commitments, not needing to force our way in life, able to marshal and direct our energies wisely.” 

From this text I’ve learned that if I live the way God wants me to, I can expect:          

1.  that God will bring gifts into my life. Gifts such as affection for others, exuberance about life and serenity.  

2.  to develop a willingness to stick to things, a sense of compassion, and strong convictions.          

3.  to develop loyalty and commitment, and the ability to use my gifts wisely. 

I discovered those things by reading the way Eugene Peterson interprets Paul. Just for making the decision to live my life the way God calls me to live it, I can receive those gifts! There is so much in those three promises that is contingent on my decision to live God’s way. I challenged myself to meditate on those three assurances by praying and then carefully, slowly and thoughtfully looking at each piece and imagining its fulfillment in my life.  

For example, imagine what it would be like to:          

1.  have the fruits of God’s Spirit filling me.          

2.  be able to naturally care deeply about the people around me.         

3.  have excitement about life because I have a focus and purpose for life         

4.  have peace and contentment surrounding my whole being.        

5.  have a focus and determination that is regulated by pure motives and positive attitudes toward everyone and everything in my life?          

6.  be confidant about where my life is going so I don’t have to prove myself or feel threatened by anyone else? 

The results have amazed me. And all this just for choosing to live life God’s way.

Rich Carlson is campus chaplain at Union College in Lincoln, Nebraska. "God is Faithful" is adapted from the email devotionals he writes regularly for the Union College family. Rich enjoys filling his life with God, his family, and especially his five grandchildren.