JAN 24

Psalm 68:11
Memorise Galatians 5:22-23
“But the fruit of the spirit is…”

Amidst a backdrop of political unrest, the English Parliament called for learned, theologians with good judgment to meet together at Westminster Abbey to write the Westminster Confession. One hundred and twenty one Puritans (Protestants who wanted to reform the Church of England from within, the majority of whom were Presbyterian, with Episcopalians and Independents also represented) called the Westminster Assembly met over 5 years and after much discussion and debate, the Westminster Confession was completed. One can imagine the discussion and debate would have often been passionate and fierce, yet despite this, these theologians produced a truly monumental document of church history, which has instructed, directed, and profoundly influenced Reformed and particularly Presbyterian churches worldwide ever since.

It can be difficult working on a project with another person, let alone 121 others and for 5 years at that! Work would be slow, tedious, perhaps frustrating, and sometimes disheartening. I can imagine that I would be tempted to quit. The learned theologians of the Westminster Assembly would not only have required much wisdom in doctrinal matters, but also a lot of love, temperance, meekness, longsuffering…(Galatians 5:22‑23) In contrast, most other Reformed Confessions were written by a single author or a small group of theologians, which places in greater perspective just how amazing this document is. Behind it all is truly the sovereign hand of God. As these 121 individuals gathered to write, it was God who ultimately controlled what was written. He was the force that made it great. Men, however learned, were but tools to publish it and make it known to others.

In your church, as God so calls you and places you in committees both formal and informal with other believers to plan and carry out His work, be ever mindful whose work you are doing and the fruit of the spirit that need to be exercised to accomplish His work. If you find yourself often in conflict with others in the committee, or if you often feel impatient with the progress made, examine yourself against the fruit of the Spirit. Remember, it is all for His testimony, not yours.

Thought: When I co-labour with other believers, what aspects of the fruit of the Spirit do I lack?

Prayer: May I manifest all the fruit of the spirit in my work for You.