In Luke 13:6-9, Jesus shared a story about a farmer + fig tree that illustrates God’s expectation for His people.
Then Jesus told this story: “A man planted a fig tree in his garden + came again + again to see if there was any fruit on it, but he was always disappointed. 7 Finally, he said to his gardener, ‘I’ve waited three years, + there hasn’t been a single fig! Cut it down. It’s just taking up space in the garden.’ 8 “The gardener answered, ‘Sir, give it one more chance. Leave it another year + I’ll give it special attention + plenty of fertilizer. 9 If we get figs next year, fine. If not, then you can cut it down.’” —Luke 13:6-9 NLT
The point of the story?
God’s expectation is that we will produce fruit.
In His grace, He gives us chance after chance, providing “special attention” + fertilizer. But make no mistake, a day of reckoning is coming + God’s expectation is that I produce fruit.
When it comes to believers, the fruit involves the character + quality of my life. Galatians 5:22-23 describes it like this:
But the Holy Spirit produces this kind of fruit in our lives: love, joy, peace, patience, kindness, goodness, faithfulness, 23 gentleness + self-control. —Galatians 5:22-23 NLT
This fruit also involves the impact of my life.
In other words, am I actively leading the people God allows me to rub shoulders with + do life with, into a personal relationship with Jesus? Am I being intentional + proactive in sharing my faith with the people God has placed in my life?
On Monday Jesus saw a fig tree that had the appearance of fruit but was barren. He cursed it.
By Tuesday, the tree had withered.
God’s expectation is always fruit + always fruitfulness.
Today’s Verse: But the Holy Spirit produces this kind of fruit in our lives: love, joy, peace, patience, kindness, goodness, faithfulness, 23 gentleness + self-control. —Galatians 5:22-23 NLT
Today’s Prompt: Am I becoming more + more like Jesus in my character, attitudes + actions?
Today’s Gratitude: I am grateful that I have the Holy Spirit to help me produce fruit in my life.
Today’s Prayer: Father, I don’t want to miss an opportunity to actively lead people to You. Help me to be intentional + proactive in sharing my faith with the people You have so lovingly placed in my path. In Jesus’ name. Amen.
