Pastor Russ Belmont
Calvary Baptist Church
Matthew 3:8-9 Prove by the way you live that you have really turned from your sins and turned to God. Don’t just say, ‘We’re safe—we’re the descendants of Abraham.’ That proves nothing. God can change these stones here into children of Abraham.
We have a Myer lemon tree growing very near our front door. Myer lemons are known for their delicious flavor. For years, friends and family have enjoyed the fruit of the tree’s labor. This year is different. The tree has produced very small lemons with very little flavor. It has dead branches throughout it, and the leaves are an altered color. I know why, and it is my fault. I did not prune it, fertilize it, nor did I cut back the encroaching trees around it. You see, I left it ‘as is’ because I was afraid that if I pruned it, I would damage it. But by doing nothing, I have made it worse. I think I have subconsciously relied on the name of Myer lemons, and not the responsibility that goes with it. Lesson learned, there is more to bearing fruit than just waiting for it to grow.
The same goes with following God. With the relationship that I have received in Him, there comes a responsibility on my part that allows Him to produce His good fruit. I need to remember that if I do nothing, no good thing will be produced. But if I do my part and allow Him to work, I will bear much fruit, fruit that will last. It is important for me to remember that the fruit is not the change of heart or mind, but the actions which are the result of it.
Identity to obedience:
Does my life show that I have turned from self and turned to God? I claim to be in a relationship with Him, but do others around me see the actions of Christ through me? What are the attitudes, actions, or idols in my life that I need to cut away so He can bear fruit in me?
Prayer: Lord, help me see through your eyes and not mine. As I ask these questions about my life, help me to follow through with actions and not just intentions. Thank you for loving me and desiring that I bear good fruit.
Thanks Russ! Right on reminder that “doing nothing” never leads to fruitfulness. There are seasons of pruning and seasons of fruitfulness – both are needed. And, I need to always be mindful of the RIGHT season to prune so I’m not simply cutting away life but being shaped for more life giving fruit. It can hurt…but feel oh so good at the same time! Blessings friend and save me some lemons…good ones when they come! I love them.
Thanks, Russ! I love this: “I have subconsciously relied on the name of Myer lemons, and not the responsibility that goes with it.” How many times do we rely on the name of our country, our community, our company, or our church without regard to the responsibility we have to live into the values those names embody. And more importantly, to live in the name of Jesus as both a call to rely on it and a call to live obediently to it.
Thank you Russ. I can let myself get too busy to “prune my lemon tree.” Then I wonder why I’m not growing! Always something I have to keep myself in check with. Whether it is fear, busyness or
stubbornness – I must be still enough to hear the Lord, submit to His pruning and follow through with obedience.
This is the line that “got me”: “It is important for me to remember that the fruit is not the change of heart or mind, but the actions which are the result of it.” Just as my physical heart needs exercise to stay strong and healthy, my heart for the Lord also needs exercise (action). Loving him with my heart is not enough – I must share my faith in action with others. Thanks for the reminder.
It hurts for a season – but the lemonade is much better! See ya soon!
“I claim to be in a relationship with Him, but do others around me see the actions of Christ through me?” Good word for me to consider. Thanks Russ!
How promising to know that if God can turn stone hearts into his children that with his grace, I too can do my part on the inside to prune out my sinful nature. Thank you Russ for the clarity that I need to follow through with actions and not just intentions.
How easy it is to voice our intention to accomplish so many things but when we look backward and take inventory how many of those intentions actually become reality? Point well made!
I especially love today’ remarks