DAD'S RAMBLINGS -- ADDING FRUIT

DAD'S RAMBLINGS – ADDING FRUIT

"For if these things are yours and abound, you will be neither barren nor unfruitful in the knowledge of our Lord Jesus Christ." (II Peter 1:8)

I would imagine that every sincere believer in the Lord Jesus wants to be a fruitful Christian. No one wants to be barren in their walk with Jesus.

But how do we do it? Of course, being connected to the Vine so that the Holy Spirit is coursing through our various members is important (John 15). But Peter gives us some practical pointers.

First comes faith in the Lord Jesus as our Savior. Without that beginning point, it is like putting ornaments on a dead brown Christmas tree where the needles are falling off. Living faith in Christ must be the basis for any fruit in our lives..

To our faith in Christ, we add virtue, or moral excellence. This is not just sexual purity, but extends to all of our moral fabric – honesty, integrity, pure thoughts, and a host of other moral considerations. Virtue is first on the list which is an indication of its importance.

Next is the knowledge of Christ. Knowing Him – how He lived and died, His person and His nature – is an important part of our Christian walk. But this is more than intellectual knowledge. It is a personal, relationship knowledge which we acquire from spending time in His presence and in His Word. This is a growing relationship with Jesus as we get to know Him better.

Next is self-control. Lack of self-control will inhibit fruit from developing properly, like worms eating at an apple.

Next is perseverance – endurance and faithfulness that extends over time. Fruit does not develop in a day or a week. It takes time for it to mature.

Next is godliness. This is reverence, respect, and piety toward God. It is being committed to living as He wants, not as I want.

Next is brotherly kindness – treating other people with gentleness. Gentleness is a wonderful fruit in any person's life.

Next us love – the kind of love that will sacrifice personal desires for the welfare of another person.

So there is my job description. It is a life-time career to develop these things. Remember, fruit does not grow in a day. This does not mean that I have to have perfect fruit before I add the next one. But it does mean that if there is a fruit that is not developing right, I need to nurture that fruit to maturity, just like the fruit trees in my back yard. Peter said to be diligent in our spiritual development. It takes diligence of heart to add these things to our lives, but the fruit is sweet at the harvest.

Love, Dad