It’s always helpful when we are seeking direction in life to look at and get back to the initial plan we were created for.
That initial plan is outlined at the beginning of creation in Genesis 1:28 when God gives some clear directives as He blesses mankind and told us what to spend our time focusing on. He said: “Be fruitful, and multiply; fill the earth and subdue it; have dominion over the fish of the sea, over the birds of the air, and over every living thing that moves on the earth.”
When God said be fruitful it meant that he desired for Adam and Eve and all those who followed to have children, and to experience that blessing. However being fruitful is far more than just bearing children, especially when you consider that when Jesus walked the earth, fulfilling perfectly the laws of God’s word he was not fruitful in that particular way. Yet er would definitely be incorrect to think that Jesus’ life and ministry was not fruitful. (Matthew 5:17)
For regardless of our age, circumstances and season in life we can all be productive and use the gifts, abilities and resources that God has given us right now to fulfil the plans and purposes He has planned for us to walk in.
Jesus said, “If you abide in Me, and My words abide in you, you will ask what you desire, and it will be done for you. By this My Father is glorified, that you bear much fruit; so you will be my disciples.” (John 15:1-3)
This means we can be fruitful wherever we are, and in each and every season of our life. However perhaps at times our fruitfulness can be hindered because we are more focused on being consumers than being fruitful. We all have needs; the need for food, clothing, shelter, and the basic necessities of life, but God’s expectation for us to be fruitful is often challenged by us being so self focused that it overrides our ability to produce anything beneficial.
The solution to our self-focused consumerism is to recognise how “me focused” we are being, and to invite God into every area of our lives. Jesus gives some simple advice; if you want to be fruitful and have a purpose and passion for life whatever your age and circumstance then stay vitally connected and abiding in Him. Read and let His words become part of who you are; directing, motivating and guiding your every thought and step. Then He promises you will be blessed in who you are and what you do, thus producing much good fruit.
Everyday we can actively choose to cooperate with the principals in God’s word to make the universe a better place, “walking in a manner worthy of the Lord, to please Him in all respects, bearing fruit in every good work and increasing in the knowledge of God.” (Colossians 1:10)
Jesus said abide in me for apart from me you can do nothing, which is a sorry predicament for anyone to be in. Let’s make a decision everyday to be fruitful, taking what we have and asking God to direct and bless us in fruitfulness in everything we do.
“As a branch cannot bear fruit by itself, unless it abides In the vine, neither can you, unless you abide in me. I am the vine you are the branches. Whoever abides in me and I in him, is he that bears much fruit, for apart form me you can do nothing.” (John 15:5-8)
Prayer: Lord forgive me where I have been selfish and consumer focused instead of being productive with the gifts and abilities you have given me. Please help me to be fruitful in every area and season of my life from now on as I spend time with you and meditate on your word. In Jesus name Amen.
“But his delight is in the law of the Lord, and in His law he meditates day and night. He shall be like a tree planted by the rivers of water that brings forth its fruit in its season. Whose leaf also shall not wither; and whatever he does shall prosper.” (Psalm 1:2-3)
“Those who are planted in the house of the Lord shall flourish in the courts of our God. They shall still bear fruit in old age; they shall be fresh and flourishing.” (Psalm 92:13-14)
Comentários