Fruit

Fruit

Just as you can identify a tree by its fruit, so you can identify people by their actions.

DRIVING DOWN THE DUSTY LANE, we passed a pole barn and continued on until we could see the trees. Friends of ours owned a landscaping company and had graciously offered to let us pick apples on their property, free of charge. Apple-picking is a favorite fall pastime, and I immediately envisioned the batches of applesauce that would soon be cooling in my kitchen.

But as we pulled up to the grove and climbed out, my breath caught at the sheer volume of apples—only to stutter as I neared the trees. I’ve been to other orchards in the past. They’re carefully maintained, the trees picturesque. But this orchard wasn’t meant for tourists. Swaths of the ground were unmowed, and I dodged a few literal pits where trees had been uprooted to be planted elsewhere. Bees buzzed, and the air was redolent with a vinegary aroma from the fallen fruit that littered the ground. Though the trees were in neat rows, a few had spots on the leaves, and some apples had been munched on by insects.

But as I sidestepped areas of overgrown grass and waved off yet another swarm of tiny gnats, I couldn’t help but marvel at God’s creation. Though the setting was imperfect, many apples were glossy and beautiful. Some branches hung low, heavily laden with fruit. As I began to fill my bag, I praised God quietly for the gift of the fruit and for our friends’ provision.

The trees were producing fruit, regardless of whether or not anyone noticed. Their circumstances were imperfect. Some of the fruit had gone to waste. And yet they continued to faithfully produce fruit, doing what they were meant to do.

How often can the same be said for us? When trials come or we’re hard-pressed by circumstances, do we continue to produce good fruit? When no one notices our sweat and tears, no one praises us for a job well done, no one recognizes our hard work—do we still continue to produce good fruit? Even if God is the only one who sees the fruit of our labor, it’s worth it. As Galatians 6:9 tells us, our faithfulness still produces a harvest—if we don’t give up.

Lord, may the fruit of our lives reveal the work of your glory. Amen.

-Kristin

One Good Step: What kind of fruit is your life currently cultivating?