May 13 Rooted Life

Luke 13:6-9 Then he told this parable: “A man had a fig tree, planted in his vineyard, and he went to look for fruit on it, but did not find any. 7 So he said to the man who took care of the vineyard, ‘For three years now I’ve been coming to look for fruit on this fig tree and haven’t found any. Cut it down! Why should it use up the soil?’ 8 “‘Sir,’ the man replied, ‘leave it alone for one more year, and I’ll dig around it and fertilize it. 9 If it bears fruit next year, fine! If not, then cut it down.’”
 
WHAT do you think is a very frustrating reality for parents, teachers, coaches, pastors and business leaders? A common task of each position is to instruct someone to live and work more effectively. But frustration comes, doesn’t it, when some are unwilling to change habits and attitudes.  
    As a result, their presence in a family or organization can become an irritation. You may love another with all the goodness God commands, but they simply add nothing to the family, business, church or team. Even worse, their influence is can detract and subtract from the common good. In business, such people are often released from their work. In families, they are mostly tolerated with hope for change. In the Kingdom of God, a day comes when they are, “cut down”.
    Does this shock you. This is a difficult truth for the world to believe. The Lord God, though, is the Supreme Holy Authority of the universe, including your life. Yes, he is the authority of your life. In his love, our Lord God is graciously willing to fertilize – to feed – your soul in need of instruction and change. But this time of teaching lasts for only a time. If you receive the food of his Word and are watered with his Living Water, your life must be rooted to bear kingdom fruit. But if you do not demonstrate new growth in your heart, mind and soul, a day will come when he will say, “Why should (he/she) use up the soil?”
    In his love, God teaches you to adjust your life to his uncompromising teachings. This is the only way to unite with the Holy One, who establishes life and the way to life eternal. Show God and show the world the ways you are “rooted and built up in him, strengthened in the faith as you were taught, and overflowing with thankfulness.” (Colossians 2:7)
 
Prayer: Holy Spirit, I pray you grow my spiritual roots deeply into your Living Water, so I will bear fruit for you and your church. In Jesus’ name, I praise you for your lifechanging power. Amen.