Fruit

I’ve spent these few weeks into the new year really surveying my life in general…all aspects of it. I’ve been thinking about my job, my place in the ministry, where I’m goin’, etc. It seems that December is a strong month of reflection and January is for dreaming and planning. However, in the midst of my personal evaluations, one desire has remained a prominent one in my mind and heart: I want my life to bear fruit. That simple word has been at the forefront of everything these past couple of weeks. Jesus said, in John 15:8, “By this is my Father glorified, that you bear much fruit, and so prove to be my disciples.” It’s such a loaded statement that’s worthy of intense meditation. After all, Jesus just showed us to model of true discipleship: fruit.

So, being the simpleton I am =), I’ve just been thinking about fruit…natural fruit…about the process to make it grow, etc. For instance, the growth of fruit, as with anything organic, takes time. We hate that. I’m still learning to love and appreciate words like “process” and “journey”. However, realizing the necessity of time doesn’t dishearten me anymore…it actually makes me want to endure and press to see what comes about! And as I wait, I still sow seeds for more fruit.

Bearing fruit, to repeat earlier, is a really loaded phrase. One verse that’s been prominent to me as I’ve meditated on this subject is Matthew 7:18. It says, “A good tree cannot produce bad fruit, nor can a bad tree produce good fruit.” Believe it or not, we are actually referred to as trees…just look at Psalm 1. So, from this verse, we know there’s good fruit and bad fruit, but that’s ultimately dependant on the tree (us). So how do we know what kind of fruit is coming? After all, we can know. A farmer doesn’t plant an orange tree expecting watermelons, though I’d love to be see that. The dude would be an instant YouTube superstar. I may actually try that one day. Here’s how you can know: “Do not be deceived, God is not mocked; for whatever  a man sows, this he will also reap. For the one who sows into his own flesh shall from the flesh reap corruption, but the one who sows to the Spirit shall from the Spirit reap eternal life.” (Galatians 6:7-8) It’s all about what you sow…which manifests in what you do behind closed doors, in how you treat people, and ultimately, your personal pursuit of Jesus.

So, of course, all of us reading this want to bear good fruit. It’s a given. I’m right there with ya. That scripture out of Galatians gives us MONUMENTAL insight into making that happen. I want to present one more thought. A fruit seed, but it’s design, is engineered to grow. You been a seed in the ground, it’ll grow. Thank you science class. However, that seed reaching it’s full potential isn’t fully reliant upon itself. Soil, sunlight, water, protection from animals, etc all play a pivotal role. It takes faith on an outside role. Jesus said, “Abide in Me, and I in you. As the branch cannot bear fruit by itself, unless it abides in the vine, so neither can you, unless you abide in Me. I am the vine, you are the branches; he who abides in Me and I in him, he bears much fruit; for apart from Me you can do nothing.” (John 15:4-5) That’s about as straight-forward as it gets.

Friends, it’s in us to grow, to mature. What becomes of that growth is dependant on our sowing and connection. I encourage you, as the Psalms says, “Trust in the Lord and do good; dwell in the land and cultivate faithfulness.” Stay connected with godly people and authority and, ultimately, Him. There you can’t go wrong. And from that, there will be, from the earth, hundred, thousands, even millions shouting glory to God, all because they’re bearing good fruit.

You are loved…by us, but ultimately by Him.

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