In the last few years a new term has hit the press and our vocabulary. It is EQ or EIQ. It is shorthand for the ability to relate to others with a positive quality.
It means we have the ability to do several things at the same time. They are all related to our own character and self control. It is the ability to relate with all nine of the Fruit of the Holy Spirit.
Galatians 5:
22 But the fruit of the Spirit is love, joy, peace, forbearance, kindness, goodness, faithfulness, 23 gentleness and self-control.
Historically, the church and its leaders focused a great deal on EQ or the Fruit of the Holy Spirit. It seems that in my lifetime, however, the focus has been much more on IQ. The ability to be coolly analytical about scripture and ideas. To do a careful word study and exegesis about the Greek and Hebrew. Although that is important for some, for most of us the key to live and evangelism is Fruit that comes from abiding in the Spirit.
The Root is the Holy Spirit
The Fruit is the list above
An external, analytical study of the Fruit will not promote a healthy Root.
Only by living, loving and focusing on the Holy Spirit can the Fruit develop.
EQ focuses on developing Emotional skills. Today we ask kids to memorize the passages about the Fruit and explain them. Bible memorization might impress some but not the writer of that passage! We need to spend time actually practicing the skills in prayer, worship, role plays and exercises.
To succeed in life build on the Root and the Fruit will follow.
Click on my link and get our stuff so you can soar with the eagles of love and power.
No comments:
Post a Comment