A Fruitful Life, Or Not?

"Every Christian will bear spiritual fruit. Somewhere, sometime, somehow. Otherwise that person is not a believer. Every born-again individual will be fruitful. Not to be fruitful is to be faithless, without faith, and therefore without salvation."   - So Great Salvation, Charles Ryrie, Victor Books, 1989, pp. 45-46 

When fruit trees are planted, whether in an orchard or in the backyard, they are not just planted for their aesthetic beauty. We plant them because we expect that sometime in the future they will bear fruit. They are watered, fertilized, and nurtured along until they reach maturity.

However, not all fruit producing trees will actually bear fruit. Some, for whatever reason, are just not going to be fruitful. This can also apply to us as Christians. Mark 11:12-14; 20-21, describes an incident that occurred during our Lord’s Passion Week. The purpose of which, was intended to  teach us about the judgment of God that was coming on the nation of Israel. They had rejected their Messiah and they were about to pay a terrible price.

Now, even though the text speaks primarily to Israel, there's also a warning here for all people. Jesus wants us all to know that He is keeping an eye on us. He wants us to know that He is looking for real spiritual fruit in our lives. When He finds that fruit, we are blessed. When He does not find it, there is a high price to pay.

Israel was similar to this fruitless fig tree. They displayed all the signs of spiritual life, but they had no fruit. They were keeping the letter of the Law. They were carrying out the Temple ceremonies. They were observing the ancient feasts and the sacrifices. They were religious in every detail, but they had no spiritual fruit.

What's the does this message for us today? How does this apply to those of us who outwardly have all the characteristics of model Christians, but are in reality "fruitless?" When God examines you, not only from the outside but inside as well, what does He see? Does He see a spirtually productive and fruitful person, or does He see someone who is spiritually useless?

Sure, on the outside you might appear to have it all together. You can carry a Bible around; quote scripture all day long. You might never miss a church service; be a regular Bible study attendee; belong to all the right groups and committees; etc. But are you really in love with Jesus? And, do you genuinely love others? Is He the centerpiece of everything you do? Are you truly committed to Him?

Dear friends, are you all "leaves" and "fruitless?" When we are saved by God's grace, we will bear fruit for His glory (John 15:5). If we will honor Him, obey Him and serve Him, He will bless us in wonderful ways. But, if we refuse to honor, obey and serve Him, He will bring His discipline into our lives.

In closing, the same Lord Who can fill us and use us can also leave us dry and empty. He has the power to bless us and He has the power to curse us, which depends upon ability to bear fruit for His glory! Therefore, if you are a believer take this message to heart. The Lord seeks fruit in the lives of His people. He also seeks fruit in His church. What does He see in you?

Scripture: Hosea 11:1; John 17:17; John 14:6; John 3:12; Matthew 7:21

Prayer: Dear Lord, by Your grace You have provided me with every spiritual advantage You have to offer; Your word, Your church, and Your Spirit; I have also been blessed in abundance. I pray that I will use everything that You have given me to live a fruitful, and spiritually productive life. Amen

God bless you!

Amanda