Substitutes

Did you know that approximately 75% of Americans are chronically dehydrated? In 37% of Americans, the thirst mechanism is so weak that it is often mistaken for hunger. A mere 2% drop in body water can trigger fuzzy short-term memory, trouble with basic math, and difficulty focusing on a printed page. It’s been said that 5 glasses of water daily decreases the risk of colon cancer by 45%, plus it can slash the risk of breast cancer by 79%, and one is 50% less likely to develop bladder cancer. I admit that some of these stats are 10 years old, but fascinating nonetheless. 

Did you also know: 

• The active ingredient in Coca-Cola is phosphoric acid. Phosphoric acid can dissolve a nail in about 4 days, it leaches calcium from bones, and is a major contributor to the rising increase in osteoporosis
• In many states, the highway patrol carries two gallons of Coke in the truck to remove blood from the highway after a car accidents 
• You can put a T-bone steak in a bowl of Coca-Cola and it will disintegrate within two days 
• Citric acid in Coca-Cola removes stains from vitreous china
• To clean a toilet, pour a can of Coca-Cola into the toilet bowl, let sit for one hour, then flush clean
• To remove rust spots from chrome car bumpers – rub the bumper with a rumpled-up piece of Reynolds Wrap aluminum foil dipped in Coca-Cola
• To clean corrosion from car battery terminals, pour a can of Coca-Cola over the terminals to bubble away the corrosion
• To loosen a rusted bolt, apply a cloth soaked in Coca-Cola to the rusted bolt for several minutes
• In order to carry Coca-Cola syrup (the concentrate), commercial trucks must use the hazardous material place cards reserved for highly corrosive materials

The question is, would you like a glass of water or Coke?  

In the same way, we satisfy ourselves with substitutes instead of the real thing, spiritually. The 3 most popular, biblical, yet insufficient substitutes for fruit are gifts, ability and talent.

None of these were intended to be a measurement of spirituality or a substitute for Spirit empowerment. In my own life, I am often called to do things I am not naturally gifted to do. For example, public speaking isn’t something that comes natural to me or my personality type. But God has other plans. 

There is no merit in a gift…You didn’t earn it! By it’s own nature as being a gift, it was given to you. Therefore, there is no merit in exercising a talent that would be in the flesh.  For such a reference, look at what the Apostle Paul said in Philippians 3.4: “Though I might also have confidence in the flesh. If any other man thinketh that he hath whereof he might trust in the flesh, I more:”  Then he begins to describe his raising, giftedness, and personal determination.  After which in verses 7-8, he explains why he does not glory or put stock in his own giftedness… “But what things were gain to me, those I counted loss for Christ. Yea doubtless, and I count all things but loss for the excellency of the knowledge of Christ Jesus my Lord: for whom I have suffered the loss of all things, and do count them but dung, that I may win Christ,” Notice in verse 8 Paul says he reconciled all those things, including the human ability, as a pile of poo.  We have a habit of congratulating talents and abilities more than recognizing fruit from God. Personally, I’m no longer satisfied with the fruit I can produce. Instead, I want to see what God can do, unleashed!

Fact is, it is easier to exercise abilities and talents than to walk in the Spirit. This is why most believers just come to sit and support others in a service; because in their mind, they aren’t as talented or gifted as others. You can organize conferences and revivals with ability. You can administer fund-raisers with talent. Gifts are a great help when it comes to preparing emotionally charged sermons too. However, none of these strengths are indicators that a believer is under the control of the Holy Spirit. Even worse, people get too comfortable with this being the norm, they no longer know what the power of the Holy Spirit looks like in worship or their personal service. 

The substitution of gifts for fruit was a major topic of conversation for Christ. In Matthew 7.15, 20-23 Jesus uses the present example of their False Prophets, and ours:

1. They would look good on the outside but corrupt on the inside
2. They would perform well
3. They would know all the right things to say
4. They would have no problem drawing a crowd 
5. They can prophesy
6. They can cast out spirits
7. They can perform miracles
8. They have manufactured fruit 

Giftedness does not determine greatness. Jesus said: “you will know them by their fruits.” (Matthew 7.20). People who claim to do things by the power of the Spirit but exhibit no fruit of the Spirit, are either lying or confused. Our flesh is performance-oriented. Consequently, we will always be tempted to substitute performance for fruit. 

Please consider this:  As long as Gifts, Ability and Talent are primary considerations, our fruit will be limited due to our limiting of the Holy Spirit.