Psalm 1:1-6
The visual of a tree bearing fruit was really vivid for me as I read Psalm 1 today. I found myself thinking If that healthy tree loaded with ripe fruit represents my Christian life and walk, how am I going to accomplish that?
So what are your thoughts on being a fruitful tree? What steps will this require? And what exactly is the fruit on your tree--helping others, teaching Sunday School, singing, more people knowing Christ, leading a small group? Think about it and then let's talk! Tami W.
When I am out in God's creation and view the beautiful rivers and lake, I FIRST notice the tall strong trees on the edges. That is how my life should be, standing tall and strong on behalf of Jesus. By reading and meditating on God's word, and praying to my Jesus, my life will shine of Jesus. People will see the "shine" and at first will wonder what it is that makes me different. People of all ages grvitate to the "SHINING". The world aroung us is the opposite. When I am with a group of people and find out that someone in the group is a Christian I am shocked, Why? because I did not see the "Shine"! I pray others see Christ in me without me telling them.
I love this word picture. I have lived in many places and currently I am living in 'the land of no trees'...mostly because there is not water. It reminds me of what my life is life when I am not planted firmly next to the living water of Christ--barren and empty, a place where there is little growth of any kind.
The psalmist reminds us that we need to be tied closely to Christ in order to bear fruit, but also that we need to avoid sin, flee from it as Joseph did. Sometimes I read that verse and think of the sinners he refers to as 'others' certainly not Christian people and absolutely not me. Sad to say, when I do this, I am fooling myself. Sin is subtle, and sometimes Christians elevate it to an art form in duplicity--giving it a 'face' of righteousness and not calling it out for what it is.
We need to sink our roots deep next to the living water and keep our 'sin' detectors sensitive to ALL sins within and without--gossip, bitterness, anger, harsh words--OUR sins, whatever they might be.
I love the metaphor of a fruit bearing tree regarding our lives for a very simple reason. The tree doesn't have to do anything to bear fruit. The tree is planted by someone; it doesn't plant itself. The tree can't really nourish itself. It requires sun, water and nutrients from the soil around it. The fruit bearing process is a natural byproduct of being a tree and being in a healthy environment. The same is true for each of us. We didn't "plant" ourselves, God did. We are surrounded by all that we need to "take in" to produce fruit; the word of God, the Holy Spirit, relationships with others... Our fruit is not our fruit but the fruit of the Spirit produced in and through us.
As we naturally allow our "roots" to grow and take in the life-giving things we need, we produce fruit and we can continue to produce fruit even when the weather outside is "frightful" (sorry, couldn't resist a little Christmas pun there).
I think of verse 1. People who mock others. I really don't want to be that person, who is making fun of people who are trying to make the best choices in God's eyes. I would imagine when they are being mocked, that they may question them selves. I would encourage those people who are trying to make the best choices, continue to do what is right. God will bless you for it. We need to remember, we are to please God.
Awesome comments I needed to hear.