Now the works of the flesh are obvious: sexual immorality, moral impurity, promiscuity, idolatry, sorcery, hatreds, strife, jealousy, outbursts of anger, selfish ambitions, dissensions, factions, envy, drunkenness, carousing, and anything similar. I tell you about these things in advance—as I told you before—that those who practice such things will not inherit the kingdom of God. But the fruit of the Spirit is love, joy, peace, patience, kindness, goodness, faith, gentleness, self-control. Against such things there is no law.
Galatians 5:19-23
In our world, change is constant. Seasons shift, children grow, cultures evolve, and even our own bodies and personalities change over time. And yet, for all the change that surrounds us, we rarely notice it happening in the moment.
The newborn becomes a toddler. The tree outside our window goes from winter-bare to leaf-covered glory. A friendship deepens, or a heart hardens—and it all happens so slowly that we don’t recognize the transformation until much later.
The same is true in our spiritual lives.
Galatians 5 gives us a picture of what life looks like when the Spirit of God is at work within us. The chapter contrasts the “acts of the flesh” with the “fruit of the Spirit.” One list is full of chaos, division, impurity, and selfishness. The other is marked by love, joy, peace, patience, kindness, goodness, faithfulness, gentleness, and self-control.
Those beautiful traits are not something we manufacture through willpower. They are the fruit—the natural result—of a life surrendered to the Spirit. But like fruit on a vine, they don’t appear instantly.
That’s why surrender is step one.
Now those who belong to Christ Jesus have crucified the flesh with its passions and desires.
Galatians 5:24
That’s not just a poetic phrase—it’s an invitation to daily submission. Dying to self is not a one-time event. It’s an ongoing choice to say, “Lord, have Your way in me today.” If you want to become more like Jesus, start each day by praying something like this:
“Lord, I don’t know what today holds, but You do. I know that You are good and that You are in control. I surrender myself to You. Use me, teach me, transform me. Make me into the person You intend for me to be. Make me more like Jesus. I pray in His holy name. Amen.”
The next step is to nurture that surrendered life through daily prayer and time in God’s Word.
I say then, walk by the Spirit and you will not carry out the desire of the flesh.
Galatians 5:16
Walking implies movement, rhythm, step-by-step dependence. We can’t do that without staying close to the Spirit through Scripture and prayer. The Bible reminds us who God is, His character, His goodness, His faithfulness, His holiness, His justice, and His mercy. Prayer aligns our hearts with His. Together, they guard us against the flesh and point us toward a life that honors Him.
But here’s the part we often miss: the transformation that results may come so gradually, so gently, that we don’t even realize it’s happening.
Until one day, someone hurts you—and you respond with patience and pray for them.
Until one day, anxiety rises—but you remember to pray and look back on God’s previous faithfulness instead of panic.
Until one day, you’re passed over for leadership—and instead of disappointment, you feel contentment with the role you’ve been given.
Until one day, you no longer feel the urge to chase that old sin pattern.
Until one day, you realize: I’ve changed.
Not because you tried harder.
Not because you fixed yourself.
But because God did something in you.
So step three is to pause. Look back. Notice the fingerprints of grace in your life. Praise God for how far He has brought you. And if you’re still waiting to see change, don’t lose heart. The fruit is growing—slowly, silently, steadily.
Praise Him when you notice yourself responding to life differently but don’t make the mistake of calling it your own accomplishment. Be sure to give Him all the glory.
Since we live by the Spirit, we must also follow the Spirit.
Galatians 5:25
If there’s anything lovely in you, anything true, gentle, or joyful—He gets the credit.
So surrender. Stay close. And when you see fruit, don’t boast—praise.
Reflection Questions:
- In what area of your life can you see the Spirit producing fruit that wasn’t there before?
- Where are you still longing for transformation—and are you trusting God’s timing in that process?
- How can you daily position yourself for spiritual growth through prayer and the Word?
Father, thank You for the slow, steady work You are doing in my heart. Help me to surrender fully each day, to stay connected to You through Your Word, and to notice—even celebrate—the transformation You are bringing about in me. Guard me from pride. Let all the glory go to You. In Jesus’ name, Amen.
a surrendered life 