9 For this reason, since the day we heard about you, we have not stopped praying
for you and asking God to fill you with the knowledge of his will through all spiritual wisdom and understanding. 10 And we pray this in order that you may live a life worthy of the Lord and may please him in every way: bearing fruit in every good work, growing in the knowledge of God,* (Col 1:9-10, NIV)
When a tree or a plant grows up, it is not a “big thing” for us. We take it as a usual, natural thing. But the fact is that growing up is more than just a natural thing. It is a challenge. Many obstacles have to be overcome, in growing!
Image source pixable.com
Many Christians never grew even an inch in their christian life, in years. If growth just happens, we all should have grown so much in our walk with God!
We know that our prayer, praise and meditation of the word has not got any better over time. Actually, the opposite is true!
A tree can look very nice with all its leaves and still not bear any fruit
For most of us, what matters is the look/leaves. But for Jesus, it is the fruit!
12 The next day as they were leaving Bethany, Jesus was hungry. 13 Seeing in the distance a fig tree in leaf, he went to find out if it had any fruit. When he reached it, he found nothing but leaves, because it was not the season for figs. 14 Then he said to the tree, “May no one ever eat fruit from you again.” And his disciples heard him say it.
(Mark 11:12-14, NIV)
Leaves give a good impression but will not satisfy anyone’s hunger
There are many churches as well as individuals out there with a good appearance, but does satisfy anyone’s spiritual hunger or thirst
There has to be much prayer. See how Jesus himself prayed:
7 During the days of Jesus’ life on earth, he offered up prayers and petitions with loud cries and tears to the one who could save him from death, and he was heard because of his reverent submission. (Heb 5:7, NIV)
Satan was trying to kill Jesus before His appointed time, and in some way other than the cross. So Jesus had to pray hard, and struggle in prayer If that was how Jesus himself prayed, how can we “lax” in prayer?
It is no joke. We need to get serious with prayer. Many dangers could be avoided
We need to bear more fruit for God. Today, the desire for name and fame has left many without any fruit. Only an appearance, no power!
Thanks for reading my post, your
