Smoothie

With summer coming, we need cool refreshing beverages. Smoothies are one such drink. It is a cold, fruit-based blended drink, usually composed of a variety of fruits.

Before the Ten Commandments, the first command found in the Bible is in Genesis 1:22. God commands Adam and Eve to be fruitful and increase in number, or multiply. Recently a really good friend and I were talking and she pointed out something that I’ve read so many times, but never really saw until she told me. She said that in Galatians 5 it says the Holy Spirit will produce His fruit in us. Fruit, singular. Even though it goes on to tell us what the different things are, it is all one fruit. Hence the smoothie connection. They are all one fruit, just blended together into something amazing.

Joy that overflows. Peace that subdues. Patience that endures. Kindness in action. A life full if virtue. Faith that prevails. Gentleness of heart. Strength of spirit. Self-control. (vs. 22-23 [TPT])

“But what happens when we live God’s way? He gives us affection for others, exuberance about life, serenity. We develop a willingness to stick with things, a sense of compassion in the heart, and a conviction that a basic holiness permeates things and people. We find ourselves in loyal commitments, not needing to force our way in life, able to marshal and direct our energy wisely.” (Gal 5:22-23[MSG])

“Since this is the kind of life we have chosen, the life of the Spirit, let us make sure that we do not just hold it as an idea in our heads or a sentiment in our hearts, but work out its implications in every detail of our lives.” (Gal. 5:25 [MSG])

So to take God’s first command to heart, I knew I wanted to be Fruit Full and Multiply. I want to be so full of Fruit that I am multiplying the Kingdom of God!

To that goal, I am going to apply something I recently read. The author said he talked to a CEO of a big company who told him the mission statement of said company. When the author spoke to employees of the company, they too knew the mission statement by heart. He was impressed that everyone knew the common goal they were all working toward. Defined, a mission statement is used by a company to explain, in simple and concise terms, its purpose for being.

Well then, sign me up. I wanted to create something that spells out in simple and concise terms my purpose for being Fruit Full.

My mission statement

I will talk about Jesus to all who will listen.
I will warn them.
I will teach them. (As well as I know how)
I want to be able to present each one to God, perfect because of
what Jesus has done for them.
This is my work.
And I can only do it because of Christ’s mighty energy at work within me.
(Based on Col 1:28-29)

I will also strive to live each day with purpose, passion, peace, and praise for the God who has commanded me to multiply His Kingdom.

Purpose defined is and intended plan, determination; the object for which something exists; by design and intentional.

Passion defined is any intense emotion; emotional excitement.

Peace defined is freedom from conflict; harmony; serenity; quiet; free from disturbance.

Praise defined is to express approval or admiration; to glorify.

Then God will make me full to overflowing, so that the work my fruit is shared with others. This is my life’s work, the mission of my mission statement.

“You will eat the fruit of your labor; blessings and prosperity will be yours.” (Ps. 128:2 [NIV])

I must speak wisely into the life of myself and the lives of others.

“From the fruit of their mouth a person’s stomach is filled; with the harvest of their lips they are satisfied.” (Prov. 18:20 [NIV])

“Wise words satisfy like a good meal; the right words bring satisfaction.” (Prov. 18:20 [NLT])

Let’s all be smoothies for Jesus and be deliciously blended with His Fruit!