“Fruitfulness is a biblically rooted concept. Metaphorical uses of “fruit” and “fruitfulness” abound in the New Testament…Fruitfulness is organic, with no absolutely reliable or predictable cause and effect, as any gardener can tell you. Fruitfulness is not necessarily the same as effectiveness. Fruitfulness cannot be forced, predicted, or quantified. Christians trust that fruitfulness grows from faithfulness, but we cannot prove this. Fruitfulness is decidedly elusive.” – Arthur, Boers, Servants and Fools
One of the challenges my wife and I have in the garden is ensuring proper pollination, propagation, and cultivation of each plant we introduce. There are many factors to be managed–both on the plant side, as well as the environment in which they are placed. Nevertheless, within these vegetables and fruit trees is the potential to produce substantial harvest; however, they are in need of a steward to maximize their fruitfulness. This is no small challenge–as many gardeners and orchard arborists can confirm.
However, the benefit of enjoyment far outweighs the investment of time and money.
The Bible speaks to fruitfulness in the spiritual realm as well. Much like the challenge of the garden and orchard, fruitfulness for the Christian is ever possible.
In fact, the idea of bearing fruit is captured in the Greek word, καρποφορέω (kar-pof-or-eh’-o). This word is used eight times in the New Testament (four times in the Gospels and four times by the apostle Paul). It has two general meanings according to BDAG, which are to cause production of fruit or seeds, and to cause the inner life to be productive or bear fruit. In other words, the idea of bearing fruit is part of the Christian’s life. Paul captures this idea in his letter to the Romans…
“Therefore, my brothers and sisters, you also were put to death in regard to the Law through the body of Christ, so that you might belong to another, to Him who was raised from the dead, in order that we might bear fruit for God.”
Romans 7:4 (NASB, emphasis mine)
As we jump into our vision for discipleship, we must keep in mind the idea of not only faithfulness in being discipled and discipling others, but also fruitfulness.
Question for consideration: What are ways you can cultivate fruitfulness in your life, as well as the lives of others this week?
— April 30, 2021