Morning Meditation

Good Morning and Happy Wednesday!
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 (NIV)

Good Fruit

Do you produce fruit that is good to eat? My father, who is an astute observer of human behavior, made an interesting observation the other day. While watching the game show Jeopardy, he noticed how at times a contestant who has gained much money will continue to gain more as they continue to answer questions correctly, while another who begins to lose money will continue to do so until they have none left. He remarked that life is often that way. Unknowingly, he expressed a biblical truth. (Matthew 13:12)
His comments remind me of a day when Jesus was returning to Jerusalem and He was hungry. (Matthew 21:18)
He approached a fig tree to see if there was any fruit on it to eat. Not seeing any fruit, Jesus pronounced a judgement on the tree that caused it to wither away. (Matthew 21:19)
This is a strong object lesson that we all need to learn. Without the Holy Spirit in our lives actively producing good fruits, we, like the fig tree, will wither away. Withering represents death. Our spiritual lives will be rendered empty…a mere shadow of what could have been. Such a tree is good for nothing but fire wood. (Matthew 3:10)
On our own, we can have a measure of civility allowing us to live in society as citizens. But the scriptures tell us that this is nothing compared to what we can do with Christ’s Spirit in our lives. (John 15:5)
Remain in Christ so that you may produce much good fruit in your season.(Psalm 1:3)
Then many will come and eat from your tree.
Be encouraged!