Where is the Fruit?

My Utmost For His Highest

“We must never consider our moments of inspiration as the standard way of life— our work is our standard.” CHAMBERS

Do you remember significant spiritual times in your life?  Times when you just knew that God was present. Perhaps you saw God at work and like Peter on the mount of transfiguration said .. ‘Let’s stay here.’  But then the Lord said ‘Leave this mountain.’  It is possible that we see our life like that.  Certain times are very spiritual – exciting – but mostly life for us is a struggle – As if there are seasons for spiritual awareness .. In Matthew, Mark and Luke there are references to fig trees and their not bearing fruit.  “And seeing from afar a fig tree having leaves, He went to see if perhaps He would find something on it. When He came to it, He found nothing but leaves, for it was not the season for figs. In response Jesus said to it, "Let no one eat fruit from you ever again." And His disciples heard it.” (Mark 11:13-14)

Now if was not the season for figs, why would Jesus expect fruit?  There must be a point here.  Do you really think Jesus did not know there was no fruit on the branches of that tree? 

Abide in Me, and I in you. As the branch cannot bear fruit of itself, unless it abides in the vine, 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, bears much fruit; for without Me you can do nothing. If anyone does not abide in Me, he is cast out as a branch and is withered; and they gather them and throw them into the fire, and they are burned. If you abide in Me, and My words abide in you, you will ask what you desire, and it shall be done for you. By this My Father is glorified, that you bear much fruit; so you will be My disciples. (John 15:4-8)

There is not one season, a particular time, that we are to glorify God in our lives.  It’s every day, 24-7.  So Jesus walks down the road and He sees a tree – that would be me – He looks for fruit and sees none … He asks, where is your fruit?  I answer … Hey Lord, I am at work … when I get home I will show you the fruit … or Hey Lord … Don’t you see how those people treat me?  … or Hey Lord … I like those people .. I don’t want to scare them away with my faith …

All of those excuses reflect the fact that I am not staying connected to the Vine.  That I am living the Christian life by my own definition .. in my own way … on my own terms …. in disobedience … having a form of godliness.  I may be a healthy tree, have leaves on my branches, but if there is no fruit, I am not fulfilling my purpose. 

What’s the answer?  It is not trying harder.  It’s not reading a how to book.  It’s abiding in a deep relationship with the Vine – Jesus.  Fruit is a result of relationship not of effort. 

Bondye Beni Ou (God Bless You)