When the new year rolls around, most of us think about a fresh start, turning over a new leaf
— in other words, a reset. In considering this year’s reset, I pictured my life as a plant. I want my life to be like the one in Psalm 1:3, “like a tree, planted by rivers of water, that brings forth its fruit in its season, whose leaf also shall not wither; and whatever he does shall prosper.” Jesus said He has appointed us to bear fruit. John 15:1-17 is all about abiding in the vine and bearing fruit.
The question is, what is the fruit of a Christian life? If I picture my life as a plant, then the fruit, or branches, are the various aspects of it: family, church, friends, household, social activities, money, self-care, and time management. At the center is my relationship with God. Jesus says unless we’re connected to the vine, we can’t bear fruit. So, it is important to stay connected to our relationship with Him.
I used to think about my life as a wheel with many spokes, and me at the center. A major reset in my thinking began taking place as I realized that my relationship with God needs to be at the center.
Then everything else will flow out from that. The spokes of the wheel, or branches of the tree, interact with one another to make up a life that is unique for each of us.
The healthier the plant, the better the fruit will be. We nurture the plant by spending time with God through prayer, reading His Word, and listening for His voice. Our primary focus should be on nurturing the plant instead of fixing the fruit. In Galatians 5:22-23, Paul describes the characteristics of healthy fruit: love, joy, peace, patience, gentleness, goodness, faith, meekness, and self-control. These will develop on their own as we continue to nurture the plant.
Instead of letting my activities and responsibilities be the center of attention, I’m trying to focus on nurturing the plant, seeking first the Kingdom of God and His righteousness (Matthew 6:33). I believe that’s the key to bearing good fruit. As we reset our thinking toward feeding our plant with the Word of God, and watering it with the inspiration of the Holy Spirit, our lives will abound with healthy, prosperous fruit.
Would you like to learn more about living a fruitful life? Come and visit Charis Christian Church at 4811 E. Julep St. in Mesa.