Manifest

<<apparent, obvious>>

This is the outward, visible evidence or display of what was previously out of sight. It is the way something becomes real or visible. In any situation what is revealed is determined by the foundation

or source for beyond the symptoms is the root cause. Trace what is seen back to its beginning.

The fruit discloses the root

“The heavens declare [or make manifest] the glory of God, and the sky above proclaims His handiwork” (Ps 19:1; Rom 1:19,20). Do I see and praise the miracle worker (God) behind the numerous wonders that we experience daily?

God became human when He was “made manifest in the flesh” – in the person of Jesus (Jn 1:14; 1 Tim 3:16; 1 Jn 1:2, 4:9). People saw and recognized that He was more than just a man.

God is omnipresent (present everywhere) even if we don’t recognise Him or are conscious of Him directing our steps (Ps 23:3). The manifest presence of God occurs when we have a strong awareness of His presence in our midst. This is not necessarily in the spectacular, it may be in the powerful, yet reassuring, quiet whisper that results in a life transformation (1 Kgs 19:11,12).

Jesus said “There is nothing hidden that will not be disclosed…” (Lk 8:17). This is why we are to guard our heart and what is fed into it, as it will most likely come out at some stage (Prov 4:23; Mt 12:34, 15:19). There should be a noticeable, visible difference in our lives and lifestyle as the fruit of the Spirit replaces fleshly behaviour and we become more

We become like what we spend our time and effort on – Psalms 115:8

Christ-like (Act 4:13; Rom 8:29; 2 Cor 4:11; Gal 5:19-23). The Bible’s advice is be careful how we live as everything we do and what we have contributed to

His Kingdom will be tested when we stand before Christ (Rom 14:12; 1 Cor 3:10-15). All we have done will be exposed and is the basis for rewards or reprimand (Heb 4:13). The seeds sown in secret will become plain for all to see, for “By their fruits you will know them” (Mt 7:15-20). Hence, we should judge or examine ourselves, asking ‘what is the motivation behind the action?’ (Lk 12:57; 2 Cor 13:5).