Taking It to Work:
Just out of school, I was happy for my job. I did my best for my bosses along the way, but the high expectations that came with senior responsibility, company growth and eventually retirement planning were not near as important as they have become lately.
Similarly, one of the best things about when I was a young Christian, was not having the pressure of what I think about often now – bearing fruit. In the beginning there was the elation that came with salvation. I knew the burden of my sin that was lifted. The gifting of the Holy Spirit was beginning to express itself, as I found new hope and acceptance as an adopted child of God. Far away at that time, was the conscious realization that I was saved for doing good works prepared before time began.
It was really about me then. Well, now that I have been walking seriously with the Lord for over thirty-five years, I realize much more fully, that I was made for Him, not the other way around. And with the grey hair moving in, my fruit bearing and my desire to fill the basket, has come front and center.
With God we all have different journeys, so God’s timing of when he ignites your heart for the harvest may be much different than mine. But I do believe in Ephesians 2:10, eventually that desire to give back, to walk in the works He had planned for us, will become our desire and focus.
You start thinking of that day when you will be standing before Him. It’s sobering, and my personal desire is to lay before Him those works that would make Him smile, the ones He had planned, done well. I realize they are nothing compared to all He did for me, but like a kindergartner who is excited to give his Dad a crayon masterpiece, I am excited to bring my best scribbles before the Lord.
It’s even more so now, after seeing His faithfulness to me over the years, even in years when I was not so faithful to him. If anyone deserves my best work, and all praise and honor, it is my long suffering Lord and Savior.
Although we are reminded today that we can’t force the fruit in our lives, we can desire it. We can want to lay it at His feet, but He is the vine, and we are only the branches. The fruit may hang on us, but it will only grow by His power, and in His season. Be ready. That season may be coming soon, and living out your faith in the workplace may be part of it, as His Word works through you, today.
Galatians 6:9 (ESV) – And let us not grow weary of doing good, for in due season we will reap, if we do not give up.
Eph 2:10 (ESV) – For we are his workmanship, created in Christ Jesus for good works, which God prepared beforehand, that we should walk in them.
John 15:5 (ESV) – I am the vine; you are the branches. Whoever abides in me and I in him, he it is that bears much fruit, for apart from me you can do nothing.
Isaiah 43:7 (ESV) – Everyone who is called by my name, whom I created for my glory, whom I formed and made.
Listening to the Holy Spirit:
The young tree does not produce, for the keeper of the orchard removes the flower. Too soon a heavy crop, and the bough is damaged without repair. The keeper knows the proper season in the proper year. Do not grow impatient for what will be given. Abide in My Word. Be steadfast in the righteousness of royalty adopted. Do good in the Name that has saved you, and in due time the bloom will become the crop. Compare not yourself against those grown for differing fruit. Some are given for great number, others, that the few will be cherished. Some give a bitter crop, others a few of great sweetness. Be patient in obedience, and in the season you will bear as He who planted, and who has already counted with great joy, your fruit.
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