Fruit Bearing People

"But the fruit of the Spirit is love, joy, peace, patience, kindness, goodness, faithfulness, gentleness and self-control. Against such things there is no law. Those who belong to Christ Jesus have crucified the sinful nature with its passions and desires. Since we live by the Spirit, let us keep in step with the Spirit."
Galatians 5:22-25

I believe strongly in the indwelling of the Holy Spirit. I believe in his power. I believe in the ministry of the Holy Spirit to convict the world of sin, comfort and counsel the believer, and empower disciples to do the work of the ministry. Many Christians believe these same things and speak often of the power of the Holy Spirit resident in them. All this is good, but there is a measure of the Spirit-filled life. The measure is found in the producing of fruit.
    People love power. We love to see miracles, healing and other manifestations. These also are good, for they confirm the Word of God to us. But there is no substitute for a consistent Spirit-led life. The great major league baseball star, Ty Cobb was an outstanding, record-breaking athlete who performed incredible feats on the baseball field. He is remembered by his tremendous achievements, but his character did not match his athletic greatness. It has been said, "It is difficult to tell which is longer - the list of records Ty Cobb left shattered when he retired from baseball, or the stories of his nastiness."* You see, his character marred his achievements. The same is true of believers. If we have the Holy Spirit, if we are involved in great manifestations of his power but are not producing fruit that changes our character, we are not adequately representing God to the world.
    The way we grow spiritual fruit is to constantly live in relationship with the Holy Spirit. Those who are the closest to us, know us best. Our families can testify of our goodness, and they can tell of our weaknesses. The closest relationship any of us have as Christians is with the Holy Spirit. He lives in us and he knows everything about us. If we are willing to receive his counsel and conviction, we will produce fruit in keeping with a godly lifestyle. So our relationship with him is far more than a matter of power and manifestations. It is primarily a relationship intended to produce godly character in us. Jesus said, "Thus by their fruit you will recognize them" (Matthew 7:20). We will not be remembered by any acts of power. We will be remembered by the spiritual fruit we produce.
    The key to a Spirit-filled life is the daily act of keeping in step with the Holy Spirit. This can only happen in lives that are yielded to him. To produce fruit, we must listen to the Holy Spirit's voice and then do what he says. This obedience will produce virtues in us that will be seen and appreciated by all. It is through the fruit of the Spirit that God is glorified. If people see these things in us, they will understand that these are a reflection of God himself. Yes, God is powerful, but he is first, love. I don't believe the Bible ever says, "God is power." But it certainly does say, "God is love" (1 John 4:8b). His love poured out to us will result in great spiritual fruit that will change our character and declare to the world that God truly is love. This is the true manifestation of a Spirit-filled life.

*Larry Schwartz for ESPN.com