SCRIPTURE:
“Early in the morning, as Jesus was on his way back to the city, he was hungry. Seeing a fig tree by the road, he went up to it but found nothing on it except leaves. Then he said to it, “May you never bear fruit again!” Immediately the tree withered.”
Matthew 21:18-19
OBSERVATION:
The appearance of fruitfulness (leaves) was just that – an appearance, as the leaves were absent of any fruit. The fig tree gave the illusion of it, yet did not have any. In turn Jesus cursed it.
APPLICATION:
We speak all the time of bearing fruit and being fruitful, but what does that really look like? Can it be found in the amount of people who follow us, do what we ask of them or just show up?
There once was someone I had been assisting during a season in my life. I did as much as I could to help, but there didn’t seem to be much in the way of momentum or movement in this individual’s ministry. One day I was having lunch with a friend of mine when I brought up the situation. I’ll never forget his response. He said “Just watch for the fruit.” So I did.
Looking back on it now, I realize his advice was a deeper dive when it came to the topic of fruit. True fruitfulness comes when the individual is bearing fruit in their own personal life. Are they producing love, joy, peace, forbearance, kindness, goodness, faithfulness, gentleness and self-control (Galatians 5:22-23)? If they are, then fruit in all areas of their life will become evident.
I must remember that true fruit won’t be found in the ones I lead, but will FIRST be found in my own life.
PRAYER:
Father Almighty. Forgive me Lord for times when I have neglected the cultivation of the fruit of the Spirit in my own life. Thank You Lord for the fruit that you bear in my life. May I seek to produce love, joy, peace, forbearance, kindness, goodness, faithfulness, gentleness and self-control in my own life FIRST, this I pray, in Jesus’ name, Amen.
