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Across the Pastor’s Desk by Jill Marin

During this season, we are seeing many fruits and vegetables being harvested. Apples, tomatoes, zucchini and the like are available for our nourishment and enjoyment.

Then, the fields and orchards will prepare to go dormant until the spring.

The word of God has much to say about fruit.

The Apostle Paul, in his letter to the Galatians, wrote:

“But the fruit of the Spirit is love, joy, peace, forbearance, kindness, goodness, faithfulness, gentleness and self-control. Against such things there is no law.” — Gal. 5:22-23.

Jesus himself spoke of fruit. He taught us that he is the true vine, and his Father is the gardener.

We, as branches on his vine, are pruned so that we can be even more fruitful. And, we must remain in him, and he in us, because we cannot bear fruit by ourselves. (John 15:1-4)

It says in John 15:5-8, if we remain in him, we will bear much fruit. If we do not remain in him, we are like the branch that is thrown away, withered, tossed in the fire and burned. He teaches that, when we bear much fruit through him, we show ourselves to be his disciples.

In verses 16-17, Jesus also teaches that we did not choose him, but that he chose us. He appointed us to go and bear fruit–fruit that will last. He follows this by instructing, “This is my command: Love each other.”

We are to remain in Jesus’ love and to keep his commands (John 15:9-10).

How can we do this? We can make him priority number one in our lives. We can focus on him, focus on the Word, pray always and keep his commands.

We can limit outside distractions, which can overload us in this day of technology and constant streaming, such as news, politics, entertainment and social media.

It is necessary to be aware of what is going on around us in society and to be engaged to promote good. But, let’s not get out of balance. Let’s try to stream everything we see, hear, say and do, through God’s love and commands.

As James wrote: “But the wisdom that comes from heaven is first of all pure; then peace-loving, considerate, submissive, full of mercy and good fruit, impartial and sincere.” — James 3:17

May we use God’s wisdom, and let the good fruit of the Holy Spirit in our lives flourish throughout the year.

Jill Marin is a pastor at Grace Christian Church in Albert Lea.