I’ve heard it said that we are to preach the Gospel and use words when neccessary. Our lives as Christians should speak the Gospel message. In fact, if we are truly Christian, then others should see Jesus in us. “So this I say, and affirm together with the Lord, that you walk no longer just as the Gentiles also walk, in the futility of their mind, being darkened in their understanding, excluded from the life of God because of the ignorance that is in them, because of the hardness of their heart; and they, having become callous, have given themselves over to sensuality for the practice of every kind of impurity with greediness.” (Eph 4:17-19)

Those “darkened in their understanding” are of the “if it feels good, do it” mentality, which is not walking in the Spirit, but instead walking in the flesh as a slave to sin. Here’s an evidence list to look at to see if we can be convicted of being Christ followers: “But the fruit of the Spirit is love, joy, peace, patience, kindness, goodness, faithfulness, gentleness, self-control; against such things there is no law. Now those who belong to Christ Jesus have crucified the flesh with its passions and desires. If we live by the Spirit, let us also walk by the Spirit. Let us not become boastful, challenging one another, envying one another.” (Gal 5:22-26)

The question to ask is do others see someone who loves even those who are unlovable? Do others see someone who is patient, gentle and kind with others, even if they don’t share the same beliefs? Do others see someone with self-control, or do they see someone who is prone to outbursts of anger? Do they see someone who has peace that surpasses all understanding with a joy that circumstances can’t explain? Do they see someone who shares goodness with others and are dependable? If others don’t see these things in us, then it’s a sure bet we aren’t walking in the Spirit. It just may be time to lay aside what we want, humble ourselves unto the Lord, and ask for His will to be done in our lives, not our own.

And I have a big hint for anyone who read the previous paragraph who instead of examining your own behavior, you were looking at the behavior of others, you are not walking in the Spirit. Instead, you are walking in the flesh (Gal 5:19-21). Heed God’s truth: “For you were called to freedom, brethren; only do not turn your freedom into an opportunity for the flesh, but through love serve one another. For the whole Law is fulfilled in one word, in the statement, ‘You shall love your neighbor as yourself.’ But if you bite and devour one another, take care that you are not consumed by one another.” (Gal 5:13-15)