We will finish up the fifth chapter of Galatians with the "fruit of the spirit." The spirit in this passage is capitalized and seems to refer to god, though Paul does not define what the spirit is. If you live by this spirit, you will produce love, joy, peace, patience, kindness, goodness, faithfulness, gentleness, and self control. "Against such things there is no law." Of course not. But what do they have to do with a mystical spirit? There are followers of many religions, and even no religion, who possess many to all of these qualities. Do they have the spirit of god? Then why become a christian?
Paul contrasts this spirit with the "sinful nature." He say those who belong to christ have crucified the sinful nature with its passions and desires. Then why are so many professing Christians found practicing the acts of the sinful nature mentioned previously? Are they not true christians? It seems to be pretty hard to find one of those true christians nowadays. I'm pretty sure many Buddhists exhibit more fruits of the spirit than some of the christians I know.
Paul does some fancy footwork and says, "since we live by the spirit, let us keep in step with the spirit. Is it possible to live by the spirit and not keep in step with the spirit? I think Paul is really saying, "Get right, church. And don't embarrass me."
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