Fruitiness

A nominal Christian.  It's not pleasant when you realize that's what you are.  A nominal Christian is one who

says he/she is a Christian, but does not possess a trusting, faithful, dependent relationship with the Lord Jesus Christ.  I remember looking in the Bible at the list of spiritual fruits that Christians should be bearing and found myself wanting. Could an ordinary onlooker even guess that I was a Christian?  Probably not.  But if you've truly placed your faith in Jesus, you will want to be like Him and He will begin a work in your life.  You will begin to bear fruit and others will want to reach up and grab what you have on your branches so that they may eat too.  I copied and laminated this inventory I found and hung it on my refrigerator several years back.  At the time, it scared me.  But if you ask, God will give you the desire and the ability to bear fruit.  I've got a long way to go for sure and I pray that I get much fruitier!  Enjoy the list.  I thought it was awesome! 

A Partial Inventory of Spiritual Fruit

Those who walk in the Spirit and not in the flesh will have a  desire and  ability to:

1.  Pursue God's glory (1 Cor. 10:31). 
2. Mature in Christlikeness (1 Pet. 2:2).
3. Be kind to others (Eph. 4:32).

4. Restore relationships (Mt. 5:9).                                                     
5. Rejoice in the Lord (Phil. 4:4).
6. Persevere through trials (Jas. 1:2-3).
7. Suffer persecution for Christ (2 Tim. 3:10-11).
8. Delight in God's commandments (Psm. 119:47).
9. Read, study, memorize, listen to and meditate on the Bible (Jos. 1:8).
10. Share your faith (2 Tim. 4:5).
11. Be patient with others (1 Thes. 5:14).
12. Contribute to church unity (Eph. 4:3).   
13. Desire goodness (2 Thes. 1:11).
14. Pray without ceasing (1 Thes. 5:17).
15. Faithfully prioritize church (Heb. 10:23-25).
16. Prefer others (Rom. 12:10).
17. Surrender fully to Christ (Lk. 9:23).
18. Act faithfully (Gal. 5:22).
19. Serve in the church (1 Cor. 12:7).
20. Experience true peace (Gal. 5:22).
21. Be a committed marriage partner (Col. 3:18-19).
22. Love God and others (Mt. 22:37-39).
23. Guard your heart (Pr. 4:23)
24. Manifest a tempered spirit (Tit. 2:2).
25. Exercise self-control (Gal. 5:23).
26. Grow in the knowledge of God (2 Pet. 3:18).
27. Repent of known sin (Lk. 13:5).
28. Develop biblical wisdom (Eph. 5:15).
29. Examine yourself (1 Cor. 13:5).
30. Practice hospitality (Rom. 12:13).
31. Be humble (1 Pet. 5:6).
32. Work hard with integrity (Col. 3:23-24).
33. Act with gentleness (Gal. 5:23).
34. Manage your home (1 Tim. 3:4).
35. Instruct and discipline your children biblically (Eph. 6:4).
36. Listen more than you speak (Jas. 1:19).
37. Want Christian fellowship (Ac. 2:42).
38. Speak wholesome words (Col. 4:6).
39. Encourage others (1 Thes. 5:11).
40. Be an example for others (1 Tim. 4:12).
41. Forgive others (Mt. 6:12).
42. Fast (Mt. 6:16).
43. Hate evil (Rom. 12:9).
44. Be filled with the Spirit (Eph. 5:18).
45. Support missionaries (3 Jn. 1:7-8).
46. Engage in spiritual warfare (Eph. 6:13).
47. Sacrifice with your finances (2 Cor. 8:3-5).
48. Experience hope (Heb. 6:11).
49. Sing spiritual songs (Eph. 5:19).
50. Develop biblical convictions (Jas. 4:17).
51. Commit to pure doctrine (Tit. 2:1).
52. Desire God's will (Jn. 4:34).
53. Be thankful (Col. 3:15).
54. Submit wherever necessary (Eph. 5:21).
55. Prioritize spiritual things (Col. 3:1-2).
56. Long for our Lord's return (Rev. 2

*It's important to understand that doing any of these things doesn't win us more brownie points with God.  They are not "works" we do to be saved. Remember, it is by grace we are saved and not of ourselves.  But a true Christian will begin desiring these things and will want to grow in Christlikeness.