What We Plant…
But the fruit of the Spirit is love, joy, peace, forbearance, kindness, goodness, faithfulness, gentleness and self-control. Against such things there is no law. Galatians 5:22-23
INSIGHT
Maybe it's because we're a few years removed from it, but we underestimate just how random 2020 turned out to be. So many things took place in 2020 that we've somehow forgotten - Murder Hornets, Tiger King, UFO videos, Baby Yoda, the death of Mr. Peanut, and Kanye West running for president. Those are just a handful of the bizarre events that defined this year. But one of my favorite oddities from 2020 was when unsolicited seeds from China showed up out of the blue in people's mailboxes. Agricultural officials warned recipients not to put them in the ground because they were unsure of what would happen.
Would they grow fruits like an apple or a strawberry? Could these seeds produce a squash or pumpkin? Or what if it was sinister, and these seeds became an invasive pest like a weed that choked the life out of everything nearby? No one knew what a bit of dirt, some water, and a little Miracle-Gro would do.
We can't say the same for our lives. What we sow on the inside eventually blossoms on the outside. The qualities and characteristics that captivate our hearts and garner their attention and affection take root in our words, attitudes, and behaviors.
Seeds aren't meant to remain seeds. Neither can they magically will themselves to grow on their own. Instead, they need a welcoming environment to thrive. And for us, it works the same way. Willpower and determination never lead to heart transformation.
Growth happens by staying connected to our Creator while being known and loved inside community. Over time, as He continues to work within us and we work our faith among others, our hearts' state looks drastically different. His character becomes rooted in our own.
We cultivate fruit by living out our faith with humility and courage to benefit those around us. God always does something in us so He can do something through us. This is where God stretches us and molds us into His image. By giving ourselves away, we gain so much more. Not only are others nourished, but we are left satisfied.
We are seeds, and we're either sitting on a shelf alone and useless, or we've died so that Jesus can give us life and use our fruit to nourish those around us.
REFLECTION
What fruit is your life producing right now?
What has God planted in your heart that needs to bloom?
PRAYER
God, You have enabled life to flourish where death reigned. You've caused my heart to come alive. I desire to continue to grow in Your love, and to do so, I know I must stay connected to You. May I do so willingly as well as expectantly. In Your name, Jesus. Amen.