It’s so easy to live by the law, God;

just tick the commandments off on a list,

and silence the whisper of conscience with a legal score card;

no mess, no fuss,

no people, no relationships, no confusing circumstances

to consider.

 

But, that’s not what you call me to, is it?

you ask of me a much simpler, more complicated thing,

the nurturing of fruit that brings life and love,

the freedom – and the constraints – of character-building,

of people blessing, of holiness finding.

 

As I grow closer to you, Jesus, may I also become more like you,

may the fruit of your Spirit begin to grow in me,

and may I know, and share, the abundant life it brings.

 

Amen.