“Fertilizer”

The gardener answered, “Give it one more chance. Leave it another year, and I’ll give it special attention and plenty of fertilizer.”

Luke 13:8

 

My brother can grow just about anything, and his tomatoes in the summer are especially delicious. On occasion he will share a bounty of tomatoes, and I in turn I pass them to friends to enjoy the fruits of his labor. I am often asked how he gets them to taste so good. Much of what leads to their exceptional quality does not depend on him, but on the right temperature, the soil, and rain.

Unlike a summer crop of tomatoes, much of what influences our spiritual life does depend on us. We determine our attitude, our discipline, and our willingness to grow. I check myself from time to time. Am I talking daily to God? Do I trust Him? Am I seeking to grow my relationship with Him? Am I attending worship? Am I seeking spiritual counsel? Am I giving back?

I desire to bear exceptional spiritual fruit. I know that means I cannot simply depend on what comes to me. I have to do my part.

Application

Are your bearing spiritual fruit for God?

Prayer

Father, help me to feed my soul with your spiritual food, so that I may bear good fruit and honor you.