What does producing fruit mean to you? Do you think of an apple tree? Do you think of an orange tree? Do you think of a grape vine? Do you think of your vegetable garden? Have you given thought to the fruit you produce? Have you thought about the kind of fruit you produce?
Producing fruit is a common metaphor. We use it in many different settings. We may use it in relation to our job. We may use it in a sports environment. We may even use it within our family. Producing fruit happens throughout all aspects of our lives, even when we don’t think so.
We don’t give it much thought sometimes, but our words, attitudes, body language, clothing, and tone of voice produce fruit. They may produce happiness, sorrow, anger, lust, repulsiveness, or misunderstanding. Does that seem odd? It shouldn’t. Do we not react to others? If so, then why should we be surprised when others react to us? If we think about it long enough, it might motivate us to be more like Jesus.
The Apostle Paul tells the Ephesians they no longer belong to the darkness but to the light. Therefore, they should produce fruit from the light. Of course, he was talking about no longer belonging to the evil of this world and now belonging to the light of Jesus.
Notice what the fruit is. It is good fruit. It is doing good for others. It is being on our best behavior. It is doing what is right, even if it costs us a little or takes us out of our way. It is following God’s guidance and direction. It is being true to God. It is knowing God’s Word and following it the best we can. It is being honest—with others AND ourselves. It is knowing ourselves well and taking steps to correct ourselves when we are not being good and doing right.
I pray we all choose to do good and do what is right. I pray we are true to God and ourselves. I pray each one of us chooses to follow Jesus to the best of our ability and ask Him to change us for the good. Product good fruit. Do what is good. Do what is right. Be true to God. Be honest with yourself.
Ephesians 5:8-9 For once you were darkness, but now in the Lord you are light. Live as children of light—for the fruit of the light is found in all that is good and right and true.
Marty Pressey 