When my son was in pre-school, our Friday morning tradition involved going to Dunkin' Donuts for Chocolate Frosted Donuts. My son, just like his dad, had quite the sweet tooth. It was amusing because he would only eat the top part of the donut and leave the rest untouched. He had a unique routine — finishing the top of one donut and immediately asking for a second. If we ran out, he'd try to claim mine with an insistent, "I need another one, daddy!" He even pointed at the donuts behind the counter, demanding more. By the time we left Dunkin' Donuts, he was buzzing with a sugar high that would freak most mommas out. It was truly great! However, I also remember the inevitable crash he experienced a couple of hours later.

In his book, The Life God Blesses, Gordon MacDonald vividly illustrates the stark contrast in breakfast choices within his household. While his wife opts for a nutritious fruit-based breakfast, he indulges in a sugary and flavorful, yet nutritionally lacking cereal. Initially, Gordon feels satisfied but soon experiences hunger, eagerly anticipating lunch. Why does this happen?

MacDonald candidly explains, "My breakfast cereal, loaded with sugar, provides only fleeting energy and leaves me unsatisfied in a short while." On the other hand, Gail, his wife, sustains her energy throughout the morning with her fruit-based choice. She constantly reminds him of this fact, emphasizing that she prioritizes nutrition while Gordon chooses taste.

This dilemma of taste versus nutrition extends beyond breakfast foods. It parallels the choices we make in our spiritual journey as we seek a deeper connection with God. We must decide between superficial gratification or lasting transformation, between seeking momentary exhilaration or pursuing profound change. In essence, we must choose whether we want to be a "Krispy Kreme" Christian or a "Special K" Christian.

The "Krispy Kreme" Christian seeks quick fixes to satisfy spiritual hunger, always pursuing the next emotional high. Their focus leans more toward their own experience than on God. However, this path often leads to spiritual malnutrition. After a moving sermon, the emotions fade, and they remain unchanged, missing the core purpose of a true spiritual journey.

John 15:1-4 offers a key to living the Christian life. In fact, see if you notice the word that really does unlock our lives.

Jesus said, “I am the true vine, and my Father is the vinedresser. Every branch in me that does not bear fruit he takes away, and every branch that does bear fruit he prunes, that it may bear more fruit. Already you are clean because of the word that I have spoken to you. Abide in me, and I in you. As the branch cannot bear fruit by itself, unless it abides in the vine, neither can you, unless you abide in me.” (John 15:1-4 ESV)

John emphasizes a single word: Abide. The branch's sole purpose is to remain connected to the vine, continually receiving nourishment, life and love from God. If one abides, transformation and fruitfulness naturally follow, but it is impossible to achieve on one's own.

Furthermore, it's important to understand that in Galatians 5, Paul uses the singular "fruit" of the Spirit, not "fruits." This underscores that these qualities naturally emerge when one abides in the spirit of Jesus. Thus, our primary task is to remain connected to Jesus consistently.

But what does it mean to abide? How do we shift from the works of the flesh to the works of the Spirit? The answer lies in simply loving Jesus. As our love for God deepens, the power of sin weakens, making it less appealing. The Christian goal isn't merely moralism or avoiding sin but loving Jesus and drawing closer to Him. In this process, sin naturally fades into the background.

Reflecting on my own experiences, I remember long car trips with my siblings and the imaginary line on the seat meant to prevent fights. We would test the boundaries until Dad intervened. Similarly, many of us push the limits of God's rules, but Jesus invites us to draw near to Him, transcending rules and focusing on our relationship with Him.

In the New Covenant, the emphasis shifts from external rules to being found in Christ Jesus. It's about having God's laws written on the tablet of our hearts, not just following external regulations. It's about remaining in Christ, allowing our identity to shape our actions. As one preacher aptly puts it, "When you discover who you are, then you will do." By abiding in Christ, we produce fruit that benefits not only our spiritual health but also the entire Church, glorifying God and positively impacting the world.