good roots good fruits
Something I’ve believed in, by faith, for a long time now is that if you tend to the health of the roots, the fruit will grow naturally and healthy. I say “by faith” because the temptation is to get immediate results by setting up programs or ministries or codes of conduct that look like fruit. But they are usually plastic because they aren’t real. They are often expressions of anxious concern for appearances, busy-ness, or effectiveness in the world. I’m no longer into the manufacturing of plastic fruit. It is offensive to many because our church may consist of people who feel free not to appear religious or righteous if they are not. We as a church will not appear successful if we are not. We do not do things just because we are supposed to or expected to. We are not impressed with well-adorned Christmas-tree believers or churches. May the best decorated win! Instead, we are into fruit trees that bear fruit in and out of season.
So you wait and wait, believing that if the roots are healthy, good fruit will one day appear. It can take a long time. I was encouraged this week because there have been a couple of areas that I sensed would develop, that we as a church were going to do. This week, one man came forward to volunteer to operate the sound system and digital projection. Another woman, who’s ministry is intercessory prayer, came forward to ask if she could start doing corporate intercession meetings for the church. Another woman came forward to volunteer to organize another ministry that is going to be very exciting and I’ll tell you about soon. I could tell more stories. I’m encouraged because these are genuine fruit that are emerging from the root of a genuine heart-felt desire to serve the Lord in the church and the world. It is Spirit-inspired. We could’ve set up programs or ministries and picked people to operate them. But believe me, this is better because there is no coercion, no frustration, no resentment, and I believe, in the long-run, no unwarranted fatigue.
Share This
Great analogy. Yet, I would challenge with one thought. Ask a farmer if he/she experiences frustration, resentment, fatigue. I would say the “vineyard” in which we work - takes work. A farmer uses many things to make sure the soil is healthy. There has to be balance of pH, lime and nutrient levels. If one is out of balance it can throw the hold harvest off. A farmer tests, tills, mixes and sweats!
“And I pray that Christ will be more and more at home in your hearts as you trust in him. May your roots go down deep into the soil of God’s marvelous love…” Eph 3. This is the bottomline! Make sure our roots are in His love. If we have not love - it doesn’t matter what we do - its not the fruit that lasts!
A root system is the feeding apparatus for the plant. Bigger roots improve feeding efficiency. The noticeable differences of treated plants are enhanced plant growth, strengthened stalks and stems, and increased foliage and seed fill.
It takes work! Fruit is the test of what is going on underneath. No fruit - something is wrong!
true. my point being that if someone is working out of a sense of oughts and musts and shoulds, rather than from the inspiration of the Spirit, the fatigue is warranted.
Fruit is also reflective of the environment. Fruit blossoms richly in an environment that allows and nurtures growth. During seasons of drought, storms, disease, etc… the fruit is affected, it may even perish for a season…but this is not truly reflective of the root as it goes dormant to protect itself…it is when the spring comes once again when that same plant bursts forth to blossom and hints at the promise to come….that against all odds, it tries again in that new season of hope.
It may once again, struggle to survive, fight the fight, but never succeed because that plant’s time has yet to come. Nourishing the root is vital as it is the promise of a tomorrow….but we can’t forget about the environment that seedlings demand…especially the fragile seedlings who need extra time and protection for growth. Even a root can only stay dormant for so long before they gasp for sunlight.
I to believe we have entered that new season of hope.