Articles
Be a Fruit-Bearer
Christians are called to walk as Jesus walked, to imitate Jesus. “Whoever says he abides in him ought to walk in the same way in which he walked.” (1Jo 2:6)
Jesus was not idle. Jesus came into the world bearing good fruit. “He went about doing good and healing all who were oppressed by the devil, for God was with him.” (Act 10:38)
As Jesus’ followers, we’re also to go about bearing good fruit. “By this my Father is glorified, that you bear much fruit and so prove to be my disciples.” (Joh 15:8)
As we seek to bear good fruit, we must sometimes get past barriers. These barriers can include: slothfulness, fear, and outside criticism.
First, to bear fruit, we must overcome the barrier of our own slothfulness and fear. Jesus describes a servant who was entrusted by his master with a talent (75 pounds) of gold. Fearing to lose the talent in a failed investment, he tried to play it safe by burying the gold in the ground. When the master returned, he called the servant who buried his talent “wicked and slothful” (Mat 25:26). The servant made the wrong move by not seeking to bear fruit.
If we try to do anything good, we will make mistakes in the process. But Jesus doesn’t call us to be flawless. He calls us to bear fruit. We must not be paralyzed by slothfulness, perfectionism, or fear of failure. God has grace and mercy on us when we fall short while seeking to walk like Jesus (1 Joh 1:7).
Secondly, to bear good fruit, we must overcome the barrier of outside criticism.
John said all the books in the world wouldn’t have enough room to write down all the good Jesus did (Joh 21:25). As Jesus went, however, his opponents watched him and sought to pick apart his actions: they tried to catch him in the things he said (Luk 11:54); they condemned him for healing on the Sabbath (Luk 13:11-16); and they disdained him for dining with sinners and tax collectors (Matt 9:9-12).
Jesus’ opponents weren’t busy doing good, but they were busybodies. Paul says this is no way to be (2Th 3:10-13).
Let’s be sure we encourage others in their efforts to do good, understanding that people will make mistakes as they learn and improve, and understanding that there is more than one valid way to do most things. Don’t take feedback as personal criticism. Everyone has a unique perspective, and you will never conform to everyone’s expectations.
We’re not called to rebuke and reprimand busy workers. We’re called to “encourage” and “spur each other on to love and good works.” (Heb 10:24,25) Let’s bear the good fruit God desires of us, and let’s encourage others to do the same.
Let’s not be discouraged by any obstacles as we seek to serve God. “Let us also lay aside every weight, and sin which clings so closely, and let us run with endurance the race that is set before us, looking to Jesus, the founder and perfecter of our faith.” (Heb 12:1-2) -Paul
