Would you eat a banana peel?

Of course not! The sweet, nutritious fruit is found inside, beneath the peel.

Another kind of sweet and perfect inner fruit is described in the New Testament by Paul. While addressing the Ephesians (chapter 4, verses 22-24), Paul contrasts the man inside with the outer man. He urges us to “put off the old man…and put on the new man.”

These two concepts of man contradict each other. The inner man, or “new” man, is the eternally spiritual man created in God’s image and likeness as formed in Genesis 1:26. This man has felt the spirit of Christ and, understanding His teachings, strives to live his life righteously. As a result, that man enjoys the “… fruit of the Spirit … love, joy, peace, forbearance, kindness, goodness, faithfulness, gentleness and self-control.” (Galatians 5:22-23)

Contrast this inner, spiritual man with the outer, mortal man whose unstable human personality we sometimes encounter. Having turned from divine guidance, this man attempts to propel himself through life on his own. His vanity may be displayed in characteristics such as deceitfulness, bitterness, wrath, prejudice or greed. Or he may become the target of such temperaments. His life is like a pendulum, swinging between good times and bad.

Eating a banana is a good illustration of Paul’s plea. To eat peel and banana together would ruin the enjoyment of the delicious fruit. Likewise, to think or act as though man were dualist, comprised of both the old man and the new man, would distort our understanding of the perfect man of God’s creating. Paul urges us to choose the good version and discard the old view of man.

How do we do that? Does it feel like a daunting, impossible task? Jesus assured us of our current ability to live and experience the new man. He explained that, “the kingdom of God is within you.” (Luke 17:21) Therefore, the spiritual qualities of the inner man are innately part of our real being. God has already done His work. Our job is to witness what we truly are. Thus, the new man is not acquired through a struggling, human effort on our part, but through consecrated prayer.

Our prayers are quiet moments of communion with the Lord. During this holy time, Christ moves in our consciousness, gently nudging us to trust Him. It is God who is doing the work. We are simply the result of His actions. You could say that the Divine represents the sun, and we are the shining rays emanating from His glory. We have no choice but to illumine His goodness.

Paul offers additional support in his prayers for himself and for us, that we, “… according to the riches of His glory, He may grant that [we] may be strengthened in [our] inner being with power through His Spirit” (Ephesians 3: 14-19)

Why is it important to nurture the inner (new) man and discard the outer (old), human tendencies? Perhaps doing so would launch humanity into a new sense of peace. Imagine life if we all expressed and experienced the above-mentioned “fruits of the Spirit!” Such atmosphere would promote good-will, encourage appreciation of others, advance creativity, eliminate discrimination, and abolish domestic and civil violence, among many other healing transformations.

Of course, as we strive to live as the “new” man, we may still encounter challenges. Paul certainly did. And so did Jesus. But they both gained victory over whatever obstacles they faced. They knew and trusted their heavenly Father’s plan which carried them through to a resolution that blessed everyone.

Seeking this kingdom within us is not a burdensome, desperate activity. God has already given us the harmony and joy of the inner man. We need only to reveal our true nature through His loving direction. Much like the sweet fruit of the banana hidden beneath the peel, we can peel back the untrue qualities of the old man and reveal the new, inner man who is blessed and blesses others. Each step toward that goal is a step toward salvation, both for ourselves and for the whole world.

So, peel yourself a banana and enjoy the fruits of the Spirit!

This is a contributed opinion column. Karen Morton is a Sunday School teacher at the First Church of Christ, Scientist, in Allentown.

https://www.mcall.com/2026/02/08/faith-values-the-fruits-of-the-spirit/