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This summer, the theme for Vacation Bible School (VBS) at Calvary was ROOTED. Connor Johnson, our Middle School Pastor, did a fantastic job teaching children from kindergarten to fifth grade what it means to be rooted in Christ and the fruit of the spirit produced by that. All week, the phrase “good roots equal good fruits” was reiterated, meaning that when we are firmly rooted in Christ, the Holy Spirit will generate this kind of fruit in us.

That week,I had the privilege of leading a group of second graders which included my youngest daughter, Mary. It was an absolute blast watching eight-year-olds joyfully singing to the Lord and learning all the fun dance motions to the songs. The kids genuinely enjoyed the fellowship, activities, worship time, and teaching. Over seven hundred kids were taught that they should exude love, joy, peace, patience, kindness, goodness, gentleness, faithfulness, and self-control in their lives. This simple truth emerges when we let the Holy Spirit guide our lives.

As we read earlier this week, King David found himself, for a season of his life, far from the Lord. His life was not producing good fruit. The other phrase, “bad roots equal bad fruits,” from VBS week also comes to mind. The Lord wants us to be firmly rooted in Him, finding strength in Him so that our lives can produce that lasting good fruit.

Final Thought: As you read the passage with the list of fruits of the spirit, can you identify one or two that you believe are healthy in your life?  Can you identify one you believe you can work on with the Lord? 

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