Bearing Fruit
OPENING PRAYER:
Dear Lord, please help me to not sit idle in the joy and satisfaction of your grace and mercy, as if my journey were over. Rather, help me to go forward with my new life and deliver the truth of your goodness everywhere I go.
“Then he told this parable: “A man had a fig tree growing in his vineyard, and he went to look for fruit on it but did not find any. So he said to the man who took care of the vineyard, ‘For three years now I’ve been coming to look for fruit on this fig tree and haven’t found any. Cut it down! Why should it use up the soil?’
“’Sir,’ the man replied, ‘leave it alone for one more year, and I’ll dig around it and fertilize it. If it bears fruit next year, fine! If not, then cut it down.’” Luke 13:6-9 (NIV)
REFLECT:
It wasn’t too long ago that I finished reading a three-book series that I found absolutely fascinating. I love reading and read all the time, so it was especially exciting to have a story stand out and impact me so much. I was so thrilled by what I read that I began to share about the books to anyone I encountered where it could even remotely make sense to bring up books. As I reflect on that season fondly, I realize two things: I have the capacity, despite being fairly introverted, to share with others what I am passionate about, and that only rarely has that been true regarding my faith in Jesus.
I accepted Jesus as my Lord and Savior approximately seven years ago, and that moment was exciting. I finally understood and saw the truth of who Jesus was and how all I needed to do was accept that his death on the cross covered my sin, and with that, be saved. What I didn’t do was tell everyone I encountered about it. I continue to wrestle with why I have been reluctant to share my enthusiasm for Jesus. In the end it doesn’t really matter why I’ve been timid about sharing my love for Jesus, the fact of the matter is as a Christ-follower it is my duty to share the Good News.
Earth, the planet we all reside on right now, is not our home. Our opportunity for eternity with God begins by accepting Jesus as our lord and savior. Forever and ever with God is going to be really, really great. Until that time begins it is important to invite as many people to that forever as possible. Be bold and true, and share with the world the truth about Jesus.
APPLY:
Would you like to share your faith with others but are not sure how? Sometimes the best way to begin is by asking questions rather than simply telling information. A faith-mentor of mine goes about it this way: “Do you have a faith?” That’s it. That’s the opening. Be respectful and inquisitive during the conversation and let God do the inside work.
CLOSING PRAYER:
Thank you Jesus for sacrificing yourself so that I am able to spend eternity with you. Thank you for showing us through your word how we can invite others into your loving arms.
WORSHIP: