My kitchen counter is not large and this summer it has felt a lot smaller. It is full of the produce from Bob’s garden. Lately that means a lot of tomatoes, peppers, eggplant and squash. I have a freezer full of tomatoes, some plain, some with added peppers and onions. My freezer also contains green and yellow beans, chopped peppers and shredded zucchini. This morning I have more tomatoes to put up. Bob’s garden has produced much fruit this year, something of which he is quite proud.
The fruit from Bob’s garden did not come without a lot of work. The soil had to be prepared first, weeds removed, fertilizer added. Then came the seeds and plants. After planting there was even more work. More weeding. Thinning, Watering. Pruning. All that repeated often. Finally, the fruit appeared, and we watched as it ripened for harvest.
Jesus reminded his friends that they were appointed to produce fruit in John 15:16. He also reminded them that Father God would be proud when they produced much fruit. He said it this way, “My Father is glorified by this: that you produce much fruit and prove to be My disciples.” [John 15:8 HCSB]
Producing fruit is a central part of our Christian experience. Producing fruit proves we are His disciples. It requires work, just as a regular garden requires work. It is seen not just in our character and temperaments (the fruit of the Spirit); it is seen in our good works. It is often produced when we bring Jesus into the lives of others.
Let us not forget that God is to be glorified by our discipleship and fruit production. We should focus every day on what we can produce both in our own hearts and in the lives of others that will glorify God.
Holy Spirit, I yearn for “much fruit” that I might glorify my Father God. Amen.
