Fruit

We're here on sabbatical in Orlando, Florida, which is the citrus capital of the USA. We are surrounded by endless groves of oranges, grapefruits, and other citrus fruits.

It all reminds me of the words of Jesus in John 15.

In John 15:5 (TNIV), Jesus tells his disciples, "If you remain in me and I in you, you will bear much fruit ...."

In John 15:8 (TNIV), Jesus adds, "This is to my Father's glory, that you bear much fruit ...."

In John 15:16 (TNIV), Jesus reiterates, "You did not choose me, but I chose you and appointed you so that you might go and bear fruit - fruit that will last ...."

Jesus wants us to bear fruit.

Much fruit.

A lot of it.

But here's the question: what's the state of the fruit you are bearing?

It is quality fruit?

Or is it all rotten?

There's been a recent cold snap here in Orlando, and so much of the fruit in the citrus groves has spoiled due to the frigid weather. It's no good to eat. It's of no use. It's rotten.

There's much fruit, to be sure, but much of the fruit is now worthless.

Just like in a lot of churches and ministries.

Many churches and ministries like to trump their large numbers of members and followers - their "fruit" - but the question that needs to be asked is how much of this "fruit" is a quality harvest - "fruit that will last", as Jesus said - and how much of it is rotten fruit that will spoil on the vine or in the grove and be of no use at all.

It's good to "bear much fruit", as Jesus said.

But it's also important to check on its quality.

Good fruit and bad fruit are both fruit, but only one is good for the body.

Be sure you know the difference. Your health - and that of your church or ministry - depends on it.

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