A group of us are reading True Spirituality by Francis Schaeffer and we have had some lively discussions! Beyond the thought provoking discussions, I have had many epiphanies. Moments when I see my life: unveiled. As if it were in an entirely different light.
Yesterday I pondered the concept of ‘bearing fruit’. I had previously thought that the Christian would bear fruit like a boy scout bears his merit badges; or perhaps more literally: like actually carrying a bag of fruit home from the farmers market.
Bearing fruit: is it like wearing a merit badge or like bearing a burden? I used to think that bearing fruit was something that I would have to work towards or accomplish. However, my understanding was altered when I began to realize that I cannot bear fruit: it must be Christ who bears fruit in me.
My part in the process is not to produce or develop these fruits. They should be produced, and developed over time: but my responsibility is to obey. Ten commandments: that is not very complicated. Even better, Jesus summed up all the law and teachings of the prophets in two commandments! If I strive to obey the Lord, the fruits should naturally follow.
Am I mistaken, or is striving still a ‘work’; wherein I am trying to accomplish the work of God in my own power?
Galations 6:2 talks about bearing one another’s burdens.
