Navigating Life: Bearing Good Fruit
“What is the fruit of an apple tree?” This was the question posed to me and others by Dr. Tom Phillips at an international conference at which I helped lead worship.
The first answer seemed simple: “an apple”.
But Dr. Phillips responded, “True, but the fruit of an apple tree is ultimately another apple tree”.
The apple itself is indeed nourishing, sweet fruit. However, its overarching purpose is to deliver new seed into the ground—through birds, animals, and people— so that new trees can take root and grow.
There are many elements needed for a tree to bear fruit: Good soil, rain, sunlight, as well protection from pests and disease, and even bees for pollinizing. All those elements come together bring about good fruit.
The same goes for us. We need a healthy environment and resources in order to thrive and bear good fruit in life, physically and spiritually. We all make lifestyle choices that can affect, for good or bad, our health and viability. We also make spiritual choices, good and bad, of what to take into our minds and souls.
Like a tree that brings nourishment through sap to the branches, leaves, and flowers, we also need spiritual nourishment through connectedness to God. It is the life of Jesus within us that brings health and fruitfulness to our days and being. Jesus put it this way:
“I am the vine; you are the branches. If you remain in me and I in you, you will bear much fruit; apart from me you can do nothing. (John 15:5)
I have found that my best creative work comes out of being connected to God. When I draw from Him—rather than gutting it out and forcing something through my own power— I am amazed at what comes! At the risk of sounding presumptuous, in those moments it feels like I am simply taking dictation from God because the words and music flow like water. I pray that each song and word written helps someone grow with God and bear good fruit in Him.
For my part, spending dedicated time with God each morning (and throughout the day) refreshes my soul and establishes connectedness with Him. I find that listening to God and meditating on Scriptures are essential components of this time, in addition to voicing my own words of praise, thanks, and prayers to Him. There are also a few pastors and ministries that I draw from for resources and encouragement in my relationship with God. One of my favorite teachers is John Eldredge. Even though I’ve never personally met him, I consider him a gifted pastor and scriptural teacher from whom I have learned much. His books are valuable tools in my relationship with Jesus. In addition to his books, I recommend the “Wild At Heart” podcasts and daily “Pause” app.
With each of my entries I try to include a song to encourage you. I love that this is a free resource since my music and writing flows out of what God has freely poured into me. I hope it is good fruit that nourishes you and helps you to experience fruitfulness in your life with God. With the tree theme this week, Here is a song to encourage you. It came about one day after time alone with God and reflecting on Isaiah 61. Since I recorded it, thousands of people have heard and sung it as a prayer to become like God’s “Living Oaks”.
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=T09msTobr9w
You can still bear good fruit—no matter your age, past, or present circumstances. It begins with drawing life from God, and then allowing Him to work in and through you. You may look back someday and see the fruit of your life in others who have come to know and grow in God.
Here’s to the good fruit God will produce in you and me!
God bless you.
Chris Atkins