Juicy Fruit
I love the times of year when fruit is in season. It is so much tastier. The color is more vivid and appealing. It is so delightful to bite into a luscious, red strawberry. I will literally savor that piece of juicy fruit.
Have you ever met a godly person that just radiated with the glory of God? They are a great example of a person whose fruit is a tree of life. (Proverbs 11:30) Much like the way edible fruit gets our attention with its vivid appearance, these people command our attention with their glorious countenance. They speak wise words which we can savor, much like savoring a piece of tasty watermelon. They bubble over with the joy of the Lord. We find ourselves delighted to be in their presence, partaking of the juicy fruit that resides within them.
We are all to be full of juicy fruit. (Matthew 7:17-18; John 15:8) But how do we cultivate a heart that can bear such desirable, and juicy, fruit?
1. Don’t walk in the counsel of the wicked. (Psalm 1:1) A practical way to implement this is to quit reading secular books on marriage and parenting. Instead, find out what God has to say on these subjects.
2. Don’t stand in the way of sinners. (Psalm 1:1) As you walk into the break room at work, if they are discussing some inappropriate topics, leave the room.
3. Don’t sit in the seat of mockers. (Psalm 1:1) A great example of putting this to work is by refusing to watch the myriad of television shows that mock everything we, as Christians, should hold dear to our heart. Many times, these shows will mock the role of the father. If we want our children to show respect to their father, we must guard their hearts from seeing the father mocked on television. Another way to put this into practice is to quit listening to secular music, which not only mocks our Lord, but flaunts attitudes and values that are contrary to the Bible.
4. Delight in God’s law. (Psalm 1:2) If you have a hard time delighting in reading the Word, ask God to give you a deep hunger for His Word, and ask Him to help you see wonderful things in His law. (Psalm 119:18)
5. Meditate on His Word. (Psalm 1:2) As you read the Word, sometimes you won’t need to read very much before you find the Holy Spirit dealing with your heart. Write down the verse, and carry it with you, looking at it several times throughout the day.
6. Remain in Jesus. (John 15:4) Dedicate yourself to seeking Him daily. I choose to spend the early morning hours with the Lord, however, when Rachel was a baby, it was easier to have that quiet time during her naps or right after I put her to bed in the evening. Find what works best for you.
7. Let God’s Word remain in you. (John 15:7) When you face new situations, ask yourself, what would God want me to do? By acknowledging Him, you will often find that the Word you have planted in your heart will guide you quickly in doing the right and honorable thing.
Following these seven steps will cause you to be like a tree planted by the river, yielding fruit in season, and whose leaf doesn’t wither. (Psalm 1:3)
Not only will you bear much fruit, but you will bring much glory to your Heavenly Father.
(John 15:8)
© 2006, Stacy R. Miller | 
