A Commitment To God’s Word

“That person is like a tree planted by streams of water, which yields its fruit in season and whose leaf does not wither— whatever they do prospers” - Psalms 1:3
 
 
The principal purpose for a tree is that it may bring forth fruit. In the same way, the presence of the Holy Spirit found in us should lead to Christlike virtues. This is a comparison we see in Matthew 21:18-19 where Jesus says, “In the morning, when he returned to the city, he was hungry. And seeing a fig tree by the side of the road, he went to it and found nothing at all on it but leaves. Then he said to it, ‘May no fruit ever come from you again!’ And the fig tree withered at once.” Jesus had no place for a tree that did not produce fruit.
 
This story is not just talking about an actual tree, but reveals the same expectation Jesus has for you and me. As Christians, we are of no use if we are not producing fruit. When you choose to follow Christ, it is not just an insurance policy for eternity. God wants you to demonstrate your faith now, in the time you still have on earth. We do this by living out the fruits of the Spirit.
 
When we are committed to reading and practicing God’s Word, these fruits will begin to show in our daily lives. It will become more and more natural to choose patience even when things do not immediately go our way. It becomes easier to be kind, even when others are spiteful. And even our self-control grows stronger as we continue to choose God’s way over our own.
 
If you feel like you are struggling to make a difference for God’s kingdom, begin by committing to His Word. First by reading it, and then by practicing it. Putting these fruits into effect is exactly what God is looking for. Be the tree that produces fruit and does not wither. This is when you become the type of follower the verse above states, “whatever they do prospers.”