Living in the Spirit
September 15, 2015

Scripture Reading: Proverbs 31:10-31

Charm is deceitful, and beauty is vain,
   but a woman who fears the Lord is to be praised.
Give her a share in the fruit of her hands,
   and let her works praise her in the city gates. –Proverbs 31:30-31

Growing up female in the USA is not for the faint of heart. I suppose that could be said for males, also. We live in a world where merchandizing tries to define us to enhance its profits. Proverbs warns us about getting caught up in the power of presentation over substance.

I attended the first symphony of the season recently by our Philharmonic Orchestra. The music was exquisite, but I enjoyed the people watching too. When I first started going to the symphony some dressed up but most of us wore what I would describe as our Sunday best. Over the years, I have noticed every type of clothing possible. Young adults may come together, some in long formal dresses and suits others in jeans. I must say I rather enjoy the self-expression in the variety of clothing. I noticed there were a lot more women in dresses at this concert. I guess dresses rather than pants are experiencing a comeback. I try to present myself in all instances in ways that do not cause a distraction from forming a positive relationship with others.

Our scripture today, I think, is saying let the fruits of our hands be the measure of our character. How we deport ourselves is far more important than what we wear. The fruit of the Spirit is love, joy, peace, patience, kindness, generosity, faithfulness, gentleness, and self-control. (Galatians 5:22-23)

Prayer: God let my life present my faith in you well in all that I do and say. Amen.

All scriptures are quoted from the New Revised Standard Version Bible: Anglicized Edition, copyright 1989, 1995, Division of Christian Education of the National Council of Churches of Christ in the United States of American. Used by permission. All rights reserved.