We Don’t Have Forever

June 20

(Luke 13:7, 9 NIV) “For three years now I've been coming to look for fruit on this fig tree and haven't found any… {9} If it bears fruit next year, fine! If not, then cut it down.”

(Galatians 5:19-23 NIV) “The acts of the sinful nature are obvious: sexual immorality, impurity and debauchery; {20} idolatry and witchcraft; hatred, discord, jealousy, fits of rage, selfish ambition, dissensions, factions {21} and envy; drunkenness, orgies, and the like. I warn you, as I did before, that those who live like this will not inherit the kingdom of God. {22} But the fruit of the Spirit is love, joy, peace, patience, kindness, goodness, faithfulness, {23} gentleness and self-control. Against such things there is no law.”

God looks for the fruit of the Spirit in our lives: love, joy, peace, patience, kindness, goodness, faithfulness, gentleness, & self control. These fruits can be cultivated and grown in any set of circumstances. They are evidence of Christ living in us. God give us time to bear this fruit, but we don’t have forever. The tree in Christ’s parable had one more year before it would be cut down. Take a deep breath. You have just received a gift from God. Every moment of every day is a gift -- granted to grow the fruit of the Spirit on our tree. Is your life producing fruit? Do you have more self control than a year ago? Do you have more peace in your life? Have you grown more patient? Are you gentler, kinder, more faithful, and more loving than you were a year ago? If you were cut down today, would you be ready to stand before God as you are now? We don’t have forever to get ready. -- Friar Tuck’s Word of the Day