Did you ever watch the TV show What Not to Wear? For ten years we watched while guests who wanted to makeover their appearance took all the clothes in their closets to the show hosts, who usually tossed it all. Then they were taught how to shop for clothes and accessories that complemented their body type and were appropriate for work and casual settings. Then they moved hair and make-up to complete the process. A brand-new look! The transformations were amazing, and they got to go home with a closet full of new clothes.

If only it were that easy! The Fruits of the Spirit (Galatians 5:22-23) are not obtained through a quick shopping trip and a new hairdo. The Holy Spirit is a gift from God, through Christ’s sacrifice on the Cross and our belief in Him. The Spirit of God lives in us and He takes His time for this makeover. This is ongoing refining and polishing to fashion us to the image of His Son (Romans 829). His Son, you guys!

The Spirit knows how to reveal the details set in place long ago. This is not like nail polish, merely covering blemishes with a glossy finish. This is grinding way the rough exteriors of selfishness, jealousy, immorality, and all the rest (Galatians 5:19-21) to reveal a lasting new you and it won’t be rushed.

He may even use a great big file, if necessary, to get the job done. I can speak from experience, it takes some of us longer than others. But know this, you are loved in the process. God is relentless. He will have His way (Philippians 1:6). Allow the Spirit to breathe life into your heart while He continues the work He started. It’s time to clean out the closet. Don’t keep wearing your old self, it’s not who you are anymore. You are made new only in Christ Jesus (Ephesians 4:24, Colossians 3:10). That’s the truth of it.

Sometimes life makes it hard to hear the truth. Here’s what helped it sink in for me and maybe it can help you, too. First, I developed an identity statement and I wrote it out in my journal every morning until I memorized it and, over a year later, I continue to write it most every Monday morning. Second, I searched out scripture verses to support my identity statement. Third, I’m working to memorize them (Psalm 119:11). On the tough days, I can use these tools to speak truth over myself. I’m sure this is all Spirit-led because it works. Why not give it a try?

Know who you are and live like you know it!

But the Holy Spirit produces this kind of fruit in our lives: love, joy, peace, patience, kindness, goodness, faithfulness, gentleness, and self-control. There is no law against these things! Galatians 5:22-23 (NLT)

Go to the Table of Contents to read more posts in this series as they go live.

It’s October so this must be time for 31 Days of Five Minute Friday Free-Writes. The event is hosted by Kate Motaung over at Five Minute Fridays. We write daily for five minutes, or maybe a bit longer. The point is to write. Kate provides writers with a one-word writing prompt each day. Today the prompt is GIFT. 

Featured image – Photo by Lauren-fleischmann-R2aodqJn3b8-unsplash

Full closet pic – Photo by Kai Pilger on Unsplash

Empty closet pic – Photo by Andrej Lišakov on Unsplash