Did you notice that I missed out one of the fruit of the Spirit?
Neither did I!

The missing fruit was the second to
last: gentleness in the NIV, but also translated elsewhere as
meekness, consideration or humility.

I love the definition that one of my
Greek dictionaries gives for the underlying word:

“The quality of not being overly
impressed by a sense of one’s self-importance.”

Given that definition, I think the
opposite would have to be being conceited or egotistical.

When we look at our society today, do
you and I see this attribute exhibited? It seems to me that there’s
far more focus on being important (or being seen to be important). We
are told from a young age that (although we are only one of
millions), we are important, have rights, and should claim them.

Now I’m not about to argue that one
person’s life is insignificant or worthless.

But I do want to ask what we’re
looking at when we evaluate our importance. Is it the contribution
we’re making to society? Is it the relative importance (from our
viewpoint) of the contribution others are making?

Or is it the value God attaches to us
because we’re made in His image, saved by the blood of His Son and
indwelt by His Spirit?

Gracious Lord, help us have a right
view of our own importance, for Your Name’s sake.