For land that has drunk the rain that often falls on it, and produces a crop useful to those for whose sake it is cultivated, receives a blessing from God. But if it bears thorns and thistles, it is worthless and near to being cursed… Hebrews 6:7,8
On my way to my Saturday morning bible study last week, I found myself tailgating a slow driver in the left passing lane. I was fuming, flashing my brights and thinking, get out of my way, I’ve got a bible study to get to! It only took a few minutes for the absurdity of my actions to hit me. I am not ready for a Jesus fish on my car. I don’t want people to associate my driving with my faith.
The verses above beg the question, What fruit am I known for? Out of the blessings I have been given, am I producing a crop that is useful to those around me, or am I producing thorns and thistles? Am I sharing the love and grace that God has shown me, or am I cursing those slow drivers who dare inconvenience me?
What would others say about our lives and what fruit are we known for? Often as Christians, we identify our faith by what we don’t do. I don’t smoke, drink or cuss, so I’m doing pretty well. Jesus however, said that we are to feed those who are hungry, cloth those who are naked and visit those in prison (Matthew 25). We are to do for others as God has done for us.
It is important to note that this crop that we are to produce is a result of God in us. I have been guilty of doing a thing, just so others can see that good thing. This is not God flowing out of me. This is focusing on self. It is when I deny self, focus on God and allow his love to flow out of me that I produce the crop He wants. What kind of fruit do I produce? Am I a blessing or a curse to those around me?