WRITTEN BY TIM LABRECHE
Iowa does many things well, but three things are done incredibly well. Coffee, ice cream, and… of course, corn. There are vistas in this state that corn goes as far as the eye can see. Iowa does corn with excellence. I love Iowa, but I’m not a native Iowan. For the first 39 years of my life, I was a proud Michigander. Just as Iowa does things well, so does Michigan. Vernors (if you know, you know), sunrises and sunsets over the Great Lakes, and apple orchards are some of the best things about living in the land shaped like a hand. Have you ever spent time in an apple orchard? It’s tree after tree after tree lined up in row after row after row. Then, when the apples are ready to be picked in the fall, branches are filled with the most delicious fruit. It’s truly a sweet spot to be in.
Can you picture an apple tree? Mature trees have a sturdy trunk with solid branches that, in autumn, are full of tasty apples to enjoy. Did you know Jesus says you are a branch capable of producing an abundance of appealing fruit? John 15:5 says, “I am the vine; you are the branches. The one who remains in me and I in him produces much fruit, because you can do nothing without me.” Jesus didn’t mean this literally. You are not a physical tree capable of producing apples, cherries, pears, or bananas. Instead, it’s pointed out in Galatians 5:22 in the New Testament that the fruit we produce is of spiritual nature and not of the flesh (world). When the Bible speaks of the “flesh,” it is often referring to our natural tendency towards sin. Anything not done from faith or love for God, apart from God, is a “work of the flesh” Paul compares the works of the flesh to the fruit that comes when led by the Spirit. As we are connected to and continue to grow within Christ, we produce more spiritual fruit than the works of the flesh. Paul writes in verses 19 through 21 about the acts of the flesh. He says, “Now the works of the flesh are obvious: sexual immorality, moral impurity, promiscuity, idolatry, sorcery, hatred, strife, jealousy, outburst of anger, selfish ambitions, dissensions, factions, envy, drunkenness, carousing, and anything similar. I am warning you about these things—as I warned you before—that those who practice such things will not inherit the kingdom of God.”
But in contrast, Paul states what happens when we (as the branch) are connected to the sturdy trunk of the Holy Spirit. Again, as I mentioned above, we won’t produce actual fruit but something much sweeter, fulfilling, and life-giving. Paul continues in verses 22 and 23 by saying, “But the fruit of the Spirit is love, joy, peace, patience, kindness, goodness, faithfulness, gentleness, and self-control.” When you compare and contrast the two attributes, which would you want in your life? Would you like to live a life filled with anger, jealousy, and selfishness, or enjoy peace, gentleness, and joy with every breath? The answer is pretty simple. We all would choose the delicious fruit.
But what if you were in an orchard and saw a lone branch lying on the ground apart from the tree? Would it be able to grow its delicious fruit? No. Separated from the tree’s trunk, it would eventually decompose and deteriorate, never again to produce any delightful fruit. Going back to John 15:5, that’s why it’s of vital importance that we stay connected to the Spirit. We will make beautiful and appealing fruit as we continually remain and abide in Him.
- When you compare and contrast the works of the world and the fruits of the Spirit, which one do you see more of in your life? Be honest with yourself. Which works of the flesh are prominent in your life?
- Are there idols you have allowed in your life that you serve above all else? Work? Stature? Fortune? Spend time alone with our Savior and ask Him for forgiveness and wisdom in replacing those idols with Him above all else.
- It’s been shown that we reflect those that we spend time with. If you notice these unappealing traits in those you spend time with, pray and ask Him to bring people into your life that model the beautiful fruits of the Spirit.
