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Just Taking Up Space

“Then Jesus told this story: ‘A man planted a fig tree in his garden and came again and again to see if there was any fruit on it, but he was always disappointed. Finally, he said to his gardener, ‘I’ve waited three years, and there hasn’t been a single fig! Cut it down. It’s just taking up space in the garden.’”¹

When we come to know Christ, we become a vessel that he uses to demonstrate himself to others. Just like a fruit tree, we are expected to give good fruit which is produced by the work of the Holy Spirit in our lives. We can find a list of these fruits in Galatians 5:22-23, which says they are “…love, joy, peace, patience, kindness, goodness, faithfulness, gentleness, and self-control.” Having this fruit on our branches (in our lives), is a sign of spiritual health and proof that the Holy Spirit is actively at work in us.

Sadly, however, many Christians who say to know Christ, are often not producing these fruits. Instead, they allow their lives to be filled with bitterness, anger, selfishness, and pride, only to find their branches bare and dried up. When this is the case, we become ineffective in God’s service and will never reach the full potential God has for us. Instead of being an active and fruitful part of God’s work, we just take up space in His garden.

Although it is not God’s desire to see us cut down, we may not experience the blessings that come from a life rooted in Him when we resist his will in our lives. Our desire as Christians should always be to be fruitful and bring others to Christ, so that when we get to Heaven one day, we will be welcomed with open arms and not have Jesus say “I never knew you”.² Fulfilling our purpose will always bring greater joy, than just taking up space.

Suggested prayer: Dear God, help me be fruitful and bring glory to you during my time on this earth. That one day when I meet you in Heaven, it will be a time of celebration as we look back on a life well-lived. I ask that your Holy Spirit continue its work within me to make me more like you every day. Thank you for hearing and answering my prayer. In Jesus’ name, amen.

1. Luke 13:6-9 (NLT).

2. Matthew 7:23.

    

Today's Encounter was written by: Crystal B.