Today's passages i want you to see how Paul is getting our attention with representing the image of God.

Galatians 5:22-25- 22 But the fruit of the Spirit is love, joy, peace, forbearance, kindness, goodness, faithfulness, 23 gentleness and self-control. Against such things there is no law. 24 Those who belong to Christ Jesus have crucified the flesh with its passions and desires. 25 Since we live by the Spirit, let us keep in step with the Spirit.

We are familiar with the fruit of the Spirit, but I want to draw your attention to the parallel to creation. God gives us “seeds” to cultivate. Yes, I get it, that was for planting and eating. But why wouldn't it be appropriate to see how God would incorporate spiritual seed cultivating. Either we are planting seeds of flesh or seeds of the Spirit.

What seeds do you need to cultivate in your heart? In your relationships? 

Ephesians 4:22-5:2-  22 You were taught, with regard to your former way of life, to put off your old self, which is being corrupted by its deceitful desires; 23 to be made new in the attitude of your minds; 24 and to put on the new self, created to be like God in true righteousness and holiness. 25 Therefore each of you must put off falsehood and speak truthfully to your neighbor, for we are all members of one body. 26 “In your anger do not sin”: Do not let the sun go down while you are still angry, 27 and do not give the devil a foothold. 28 Anyone who has been stealing must steal no longer, but must work, doing something useful with their own hands, that they may have something to share with those in need. 29 Do not let any unwholesome talk come out of your mouths, but only what is helpful for building others up according to their needs, that it may benefit those who listen. 30 And do not grieve the Holy Spirit of God, with whom you were sealed for the day of redemption. 31 Get rid of all bitterness, rage and anger, brawling and slander, along with every form of malice. 32 Be kind and compassionate to one another, forgiving each other, just as in Christ God forgave you. 1 Follow God’s example, therefore, as dearly loved children 2 and walk in the way of love, just as Christ loved us and gave himself up for us as a fragrant offering and sacrifice to God.

I know that was a lot. But did you notice the call out of the old self and into the new self, created to be like God?

Then I want you to go back through the passage and highlight the ways Paul is calling out what it looks like to live in righteousness and holiness. It's a hefty list. 

One of my life verses. Ephesians 2:10- For we are God’s handiwork, created in Christ Jesus to do good works, which God prepared in advance for us to do.

Folks, God handcrafted you specifically to be his image in the world. You are a craftsman designed for kingdom work. In the ways you listen, in the ways you respond, in the ways you cultivate, in the ways you plant, in the ways you grow.

You are God’s handiwork, created in Christ to generously bring order and care in the world around you.

Take a moment with this song, because in order to live the image of God we need to Abide with Him.