THE RESULTS OF OUR FOCUS

Devotional: The Results of Our Focus
Based on Galatians 5:16–24
Pastor Calvin Cook
August 14, 2025

Scripture Focus “So I say, walk by the Spirit, and you will not gratify the desires of the flesh… But the fruit of the Spirit is love, joy, peace, forbearance, kindness, goodness, faithfulness, gentleness and self-control.” (Galatians 5:16, 22–23 NIV)

This morning the convicting grace of the Holy Spirit is drawing me back to consider where our focus is at, what fruit are we producing, and where are we in our faith journey.

After reading recently and thinking on Galatians 5, and having conversation with an accountability brother, I’m ready to lay the following thoughts out there.

Paul writing to the church of Galatia in Galatians 5 draws a sharp contrast between two ways of living: life led by the flesh and life led by the Spirit. The “acts of the flesh” — such as discord, jealousy, fits of rage, fornication, selfish ambition, and impurity — are not random outbursts. For some, these sins of self and of the flesh have become the guidance in the way to live life. I remember my Civics teacher saying, “when everything in life is OK and acceptable, that is when it is not.” The pieces of discord and destruction will lead us to a life focused on self, comfort, and personal desire.

Likewise, the “fruit of the Spirit” leads us in an opposite direction. But one idea that should become permanent in our thought process is our everyday need of God. That God will always make a way. That is what I believe the fruit of Love, joy, peace, patience, kindness, goodness, faithfulness, gentleness, and self-control to be; a way to live life within God’s guidelines. We grow in the life that is focused on Christ and walking daily in step with His Spirit, when we actually focus, keep faithful and trust.

Our focus determines our fruit. When we fix our eyes on the desires of the flesh, we cultivate weeds that choke our joy and harm our relationships. But when we intentionally set our hearts on God — through prayer, Scripture, worship, and obedience — we find the Spirit producing a harvest in us that blesses others and glorifies Him.

Here is something to do: Make a two-column list. In one column list the sins and focus of the flesh and in the second column list the fruit of the Spirit. Whenever a decision has to be made, or you want to say something, or when drawn to do something – test against the two list and see where it lands. Get the picture – this little practice will guide us in making wise decisions and prioritizing what is important and draw us closer to walking in the Spirit.

Ask yourself today: What am I feeding with my focus? Every thought, every habit, every priority is like a seed planted. Seeds of the flesh will always produce a harvest of destruction. Seeds of the Spirit will always produce life. The choice is daily and deliberate.

Here are some further thoughts:
1. Focused on the Flesh
When we live for our own desires and appetites, the end result is spiritual separation from God. Paul warns that “those who live like this will not inherit the kingdom of God” (Gal. 5:21).
• End Result: Broken relationships, lack of peace, personal emptiness, and ultimately missing out on the life and eternal inheritance God promises.

2. Focused on the Spirit
When we walk in step with the Spirit, our lives bear the fruit of Christ’s character. This fruit benefits us and blesses those around us. The Spirit’s work leads to freedom, life, and intimacy with God.
• End Result: A flourishing life now, characterized by love and peace, and the assurance of eternal life in God’s presence.
What you continually focus on will form you — and what forms you will determine your future. Focus on the flesh, and you inherit decay and distance from God. Focus on the Spirit, and you inherit life and lasting joy with Him.

Prayer — Lord, help me to walk in step with Your Spirit today. Guard my focus, so that my thoughts, words, and actions produce the fruit that reflects Your character. Let my life be a testimony that when we fix our eyes on You, the results are love, joy, peace, and every good thing that brings glory to Your name. Amen.