by Pastor Joel Lawler

Galatians 5:22-25 (New International Version) 22 But the fruit of the Spirit is love, joy, peace, patience, kindness, goodness, faithfulness, 23 gentleness and self-control. Against such things there is no law. 24 Those who belong to Christ Jesus have crucified the sinful nature with its passions and desires. 25 Since we live by the Spirit, let us keep in step with the Spirit.

How can you really tell someone is a Christian? 

When I was growing up, I was taught that one of the ways you could tell a Christian was by what he or she looked like.  A "Good Christian" followed a strict dress code.  If it were a male, he would have a very short hair cut.  Sideburns above the ear while controversial were generally okay.  The back of the hair must never touch the collar.  Bangs should be trimmed well above the eyebrows.  A suit and tie was the standard outfit.  I am not sure why this was the case but you would get bonus points if the suit had been purchased at Sears.

The women must dress plainly.  Long dresses and plain blouses that buttoned up to the neck were the uniform of a "Church Going Christian".  We were liberal enough to allow them to wear modest amounts of makeup.  I heard one

pastor say on the issue of makeup that "Every barn needs a little painting".  I am sure this made his wife feel really special.

There were also many rules that were to be obeyed such as not listening to rock music, not going to movies,  no drinking no smoking…I think you are getting the idea.

These things seemed so important at the time that they really cast a tremendous shadow over the true gospel message.

I recently heard two people debating where Christians should stand on various issues.  The guy on the right was passionate about prayer in schools, ending abortion, the Ten Commandments being part of our public life.  The guy on the left was just as passionate about Christians being active in feeding the hunger, bringing about world peace, housing the homeless and many other social issues.

The problem is that while someone might make a compelling case for these things, they do not touch on the scripture in the first paragraph.

When someone asks forgiveness of their wrongdoings, accepts the gift of salvation and makes Jesus the ruler of their life, God's Holy Spirit comes into their life.  Their life starts to show signs of the Spirit's presence.  These signs are love, joy, peace, patience, kindness, goodness, faithfulness, gentleness and self-control.

Notice that these traits are not earned or acquired through the work of the individual. Unlike the clothing or hairstyles that were mentioned above, you cannot simply put these things on.  They come directly from God.  They are not achievements or awards obtained by our efforts.

No one can boast about these beautiful gifts because they are gifts.  As salvation cannot be earned neither can the fruits of God Spirit be earned.

You cannot tell someone is truly a follower of Christ by what they wear or their political affiliations. You can see God in their life if they live in such a way that God's Spirit's traits are a part of who they are.