Backstory of GA camp

Growing up, I attended a discipleship class on Wednesday nights called “Girls in Action” or GA’s. As a part of GA’s, each class member was invited to go to a camp, where learning more about God was at the forefront. 

While attending, I learned the “Fruits of the Spirit” song, and it has stuck with me ever since. The song has allowed me to keep the fruits of the spirit in my heart and use them without thinking – it just comes naturally.

22 But the fruit of the Spirit is love, joy, peace, patience, kindness, goodness, faithfulness, 23 gentleness, and self-control. The law is not against such things.

Galatians 5:22-23

Definitions

• Love – “The English word love has [a] very broad meaning, but the Greek language was very precise. The love which the Holy Spirit manifests in believers is agape. This love is not a feeling, but a choice. It is the choice to be kind, to sacrifice, to consider another’s needs greater than one’s own (Philippians 2:3). “
• Joy – “The Greek word for joy is chara. Joy is the natural reaction to the work of God, whether promised or fulfilled. Joy expresses God’s kingdom—His influence on earth (Romans 14:17).”
• Peace – “Believers are to be “anxious for nothing,” for God promises to “guard your hearts and minds.” It is a peace “which transcends all understanding”; that is, to the worldly mind, such peace is incomprehensible. Its source is the Holy Spirit of God, whom the world neither sees nor knows (John 14:17).”
• Patience – “ “Patience” in Galatians 5:22 literally means “long temper,” in the sense of “the ability to hold one’s temper for a long time.” The KJV translates it “longsuffering.” A patient person is able to endure much pain and suffering without complaining. A patient person is slow to anger as he waits for God to provide comfort and punish wrongdoing. Since it is a fruit of the Spirit, we can only possess makrothumia through the power and work of the Holy Spirit in our lives.”
• Kindness – “The Greek word for “kindness” is chrēstotēs. It means “benignity, tender concern, uprightness.” It is kindness of heart and kindness of act.”
• Goodness – “Goodness is virtue and holiness in action. It results in a life characterized by deeds motivated by righteousness and a desire to be a blessing. It’s a moral characteristic of a Spirit-filled person. The Greek word translated “goodness,” agathosune, is defined as “uprightness of heart and life.” Agathosune is goodness for the benefit of others, not goodness simply for the sake of being virtuous.”
• Faithfulness – “Faithfulness is believing that God is Who He says He is and continuing in that belief despite the vagaries of life. Functionally, that means we trust what God says in the Bible, and not necessarily what the world or our own eyes tell us. We trust He will work out everything for good. We trust He will work His will in us. And we trust that our situation on earth is nothing compared to our future reward in heaven.” 
• Gentleness – “Gentleness, also translated “meekness,” does not mean weakness. Rather, it involves humility and thankfulness toward God, and polite, restrained behavior toward others. The opposites of gentleness are anger, a desire for revenge, and self-aggrandizement.”
• Self-Control – “Self-control (“temperance” in the KJV) is, of course, the ability to control oneself. It involves moderation, constraint, and the ability to say “no” to our baser desires and fleshly lusts. One of the proofs of God’s working in our lives is the ability to control our own thoughts, words, and actions. “

Be a missionary in education

When I think of a missionary, I think of someone serving the Lord in a different country. But recently, I’ve come to the realization that you can be a missionary anywhere. 

My mission field is my school. 

The fruits of the spirit are necessary to being the best missionary in education. 

Using these, you can show the students and your coworkers Jesus without breaking the rule that “Christianity doesn’t belong in education”. 

But why?

Why would we want to show others the fruits of the spirit? Well, I think it comes back to Matthew 5:16, where Jesus says, “In the same way, let your light shine before others, so that they may see your good works and give glory to your Father in heaven.”

My purpose on this earth is to give glory to God, and if I can do that by using the fruits of the spirit, I will. 

Have you ever thought that you were being a missionary in education?

So, have you ever thought about your school or classroom being your mission field? If so, what are you doing to show the fruits of the spirit to others?